Patient Shifted on Trolley After CT Scan Breakdown at GMC Handwara; Junior Doctor Suspended, Probe Ordered

Srinagar: A critically ill patient was on Friday seen being moved on a trolley through Handwara market after the CT scan machine at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara reportedly developed a technical snag, triggering widespread concern and administrative action.

A video of the incident, which went viral on social media, prompted questions over emergency preparedness and patient care at the facility.

Medical Superintendent GMC Handwara, Dr Aijaz Ahmad said that the CT scan machine had developed a technical fault and that no formal request for an ambulance was made at the time. “The patient’s attendants moved the patient in haste, which led to the situation seen in the video,” he said.

A hospital official in the meantime said that although a new CT scan machine was installed recently at the hospital, it has not been made fully operational due to the non-availability of certain essential components. The delay has disrupted CT scan services, forcing patients to seek diagnostic tests at private facilities, added the official.

Following the incident, the Principal of GMC Handwara constituted a three-member committee to inquire into the circumstances under which the patient was transported outside the hospital and the alleged denial of ambulance services. The committee comprises Prof (Dr) Abdul Qayoom Lone, Head of the Department of Anaesthesia; Prof (Dr) Javaid Ahmad Bhat, Head of Orthopaedics; and Prof (Dr) Rafiq Ahmad Tagoo, Head of Dentistry.

The panel has been directed to submit its findings by 11 a.m. on December 20 for further administrative action.

Meanwhile, the hospital administration has suspended a Junior Resident doctor with immediate effect after the viral video drew public outrage.

Officials said that the doctor, who was also holding the additional charge of Hospital Security In-charge, was placed under suspension pending the outcome of a rapid inquiry.