DM Pulwama initiates Criminal proceedings against the Owners of Zenith Hospital Pulwama

Pulwama April 02: While taking cognisance of violation of Government orders District Magistrate pulwama Dr Raghav Langer today got FIR lodged against Mr. Ali Mohammed Rather and Bashir Ahmad Rather owners of Zenith Hospital. Notably Mr. Bashir Ahmad Rather working as a pharmacist in District Hospital Pulwama has misled the Authorities.

District Magistrate said that an FIR under relevant sections of IPC like 269 IPC (unlawfully or negligently doing something which is likely to spread infection of any dangerous disease to life), section 270 IPC (malignant act likely to spread infection of dangerous disease to life), section 271 IPC (knowingly disobeying any quarantine rule) and section 188 IPC (for disobeying any Govt order).

He added that section 186 IPC ie obstructing public servant in discharge of duties, 420 IPC and section 51 of Disaster Management act 2005 have also been invoked as the alleged have endangered lives of thousands amidst the public health emergency spiked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hospital management has been found involved in performing private practice including Cesarean sections when senior officials visited the premises overtly defying the Govt orders.

The hospital along with all its resources was acquired by the Authorities under section 34 and 65 of Disaster Management act 2005 vide order no : DC /PA 6128-38 dated 28- 03-2020 and was placed at the disposal of CMO Pulwama for converting the same into an isolation facility in coordination with Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Pulwama.

Meanwhile CMO and Medical Superintendent, District hospital Pulwama were issued showcase notices before initiating disciplinary action; over their sheer negligence in allowing private practise in the requisitioned private hospital amidst looming public health emergency.

The district admin said that role of anyone involved shall be explored for allowing this blatant violation.

Locals of the area also showed concern that some individuals are still looking at profit motive at this juncture. They demanded that action be also taken against medical personnel who conducted surgeries here despite the taking over of this facility by the government.