Srinagar: The Sonawari Journalists Association (SJA) strongly condemns the unprofessional behaviour and intimidation faced by a journalist at District Hospital Bandipora by the Medical Superintendent.
According to the association, on 27th of November, the journalist had visited the hospital along with his seven-month-old infant daughter for necessary medical care. At the injection room, he found no qualified medical staff on duty, with only interns attending to patients. Concerned for his child’s safety, he reported this lapse to the Medical Superintendent.
However, instead of addressing the genuine concern, the response received was aggressive, intimidating, and completely uncalled for. Such behaviour towards a media person—who responsibly highlighted a public health issue—goes against the principles of transparency, accountability, and professional conduct expected in a public health institution.
The SJA expresses serious concern over the incident, stating that threatening a journalist for pointing out a patient-care lapse is unacceptable and raises serious questions regarding administrative discipline at the hospital.
The Sonawari Journalists Association urges the Secretary Health, Director Health Services Kashmir, and the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to take prompt cognizance of the matter. The association appeals for a fair, impartial, and transparent inquiry to ensure accountability and prevent any such incidents in the future.
