Handwara— In a significant development, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court Handwara has directed the Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara to file a detailed factual report on allegations of medical negligence, following a petition filed by a faction of the Bar Association Handwara.
The petition, submitted by Advocate Abdul Rashid Malik, President of the Bar Association, along with senior members, highlights serious lapses in medical care, claiming the hospital failed to provide timely and adequate treatment, which allegedly led to preventable deaths.
Bar Association Alleges Staff Shortages, Administrative Lapses
The application accuses GMC Handwara of suffering from severe shortages of doctors and paramedics, alongside a lack of effective administrative supervision. It urges judicial intervention to enforce adequate healthcare facilities manned by trained professionals, citing the hospital’s legal and ethical responsibilities.
Court Acknowledges Seriousness of Claims
In response, the CJM Court noted the gravity of the accusations and stated in its official order:
“In view of the seriousness of the allegations, a response is required from the non-applicant in the interest of justice.”
The court has set April 11, 2025, as the deadline for the hospital administration to comply and submit their report, with a follow-up hearing scheduled on the same day.
This legal action has drawn attention to the urgent need for accountability and improved medical infrastructure in Handwara, with the court’s move being seen as a potential catalyst for reforms at GMC Handwara.
