Demands ‘full pay leave’ for covid warriors who suffer from residual complications

Srinagar: A delegation of Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) led by its President Dr Suhail Naik met director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Samir Mattoo and lodged strong protest on the suspension of three doctors and one other employee of health department for no fault of theirs without even customary inquiry. It is pertinent to mention here that three Doctors were suspended by Directorate Health Services Kashmir on recommendation from additional commissioner, Kashmir after unfortunate death of a disabled boy who had come to receive disability certificate from Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Srinagar at designated medical Board centre.
“Though we have full sympathy with the bereaved family but at the same time such suspensions which are being done under media pressure and without prior enquiry demoralise the doctors while discharging their routine duties” Dr Naik said.
“Designated Medical boards for Disability are working as per protocols and set rules and certificates are being provided on a first come 1st serve basis since every patient present there is suffering from some type of disability. Moreover, its important that if any disabled person is not keeping well then the preference should be given for adequate treatment prior to receiving a ‘disability certificate’ as life is more important than the certificate itself” Dr Naik further said.
“Suppose a patient is waiting for the appointment of an Additional District Commissioner (ADC)at his office for financial support and in the meantime he develops cardiac arrest and unfortunately dies while in the queue.Attributing his death to ADC just because he was waiting there to meet him is totally bizarre”.Dr Naik further added.
It was urged upon the Director Health that since many doctors are suffering from post Covid complications and residual diseases wherein they are not able to attend duties for months together,in those cases a provision of special leave needs to be sanctioned with full pay and to provide them other necessary financial support to support costs incurred on their medical treatment.

KR Desk