The indifference of the Government Dental College (GDC), Srinagar, towards patients and even students studying in the college is noteworthy. It affects and impinges negatively upon the welfare of people of all backgrounds. Kashmir Obsevers lead story captures the indifference of the College authorities poignantly and evocatively. The theme that emerges from it is that the GDC is stuck and defined by inertia, incapable and inefficient leadership, and even mired in corruption. Consider the following example, an OPG X ray which would normally cost 50 rupees at the hospital costs 700 rupees from a private operator. GDC authorities cite problems of overload to patients and refer them to private players. The private players charge exorbitant rates and then game playing is taken recourse to which makes patients believe that private operators are a more efficient and time saving option. Whilst there is no definitive proof regarding this but the whole saga has elements of and smacks of a scheme and scam.
The hospital authorities stand unmoved and stoically pursue more of the same, so to speak. This is despite the intervention of the Minister of Health and Education. The inference that can be drawn from this is that the top authorities of the hospital, one, the principal, is under investigation by the Vigilance department, is that they are backed by powerful patrons.
The effects and consequences of apathy and apparently corruption are borne by people of all hues and colors- emotionally, financially and in terms of health. From a larger perspective, the greed and avarice of a few implicates the state in a web of corruption and deceit and this then affects the welfare of the people. The state becomes a rent seeking agent extorting rents from people through devices that are or amount to a scam. The issue now is how to remedy this condition. The only remedy perhaps lies in strict, penal action against those found guilty of misappropriation and apathy. However, this is not the end of the matter. There needs to be vigorous follow up in the nature of a total systemic revamp of health care sectors including dental care. This may perhaps entail a wider scope and latitude for regulatory role of the state. Regulations should be strict, tight and correspond to modern day realities. This, however, is a one step ahead approach. As of now, urgent action is required. This action should be in the nature of cleaning the Augean stables of the GDC. If this means taking a few scalps in the form of dismissals and even penal action, so be it.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
