Anantnag, Nov 4, KNT: Allegations of inadequate senior doctors’ presence during night shifts at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag have triggered concern among locals after a patient’s family claimed that the absence of timely specialist intervention delayed critical medical care for a woman suffering from acute abdominal pain.

Sameer Mushtaq, a resident of Aishmuqam in Anantnag, alleged that his mother was taken to GMC Anantnag three days ago with severe abdominal pain, but only junior doctors were available during the night.

“My mother continued to suffer despite treatment and was discharged during the night. However, shortly after reaching home, her abdominal pain flared up again,” Sameer told the news agency.

He said the attending doctors had advised an ultrasound (USG), following which a postgraduate trainee reportedly assured the family that there was nothing critical to worry about.

However, the family decided to get another ultrasound examination at a private clinic the following morning. According to Sameer, the doctor there advised an immediate surgical consultation and an urgent CT scan.

The family subsequently consulted acquaintances and was advised to shift the patient to SKIMS Soura, where she underwent emergency surgery shortly after arrival.

The incident has renewed concerns among locals over the availability of senior-level clinical supervision during night shifts at the tertiary-care institution.

Some attendants have alleged that senior consultants are rarely present on hospital premises during night hours, leaving junior residents and postgraduate trainees to handle critical cases without direct supervision.

They have demanded strict enforcement of duty rosters, round-the-clock on-site availability of specialists and accountability in cases involving alleged delays or mismanagement of medical care.

When contacted, GMC Anantnag Principal Dr. Junaid told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that senior doctors remain available on call during night hours. Responding to the specific complaint, he said he would speak to the concerned Head of Department (HOD) and ensure that the matter was formally investigated.

Meanwhile, locals have appealed to Health Minister Sakina Itoo to intervene and ensure implementation of her earlier assurance regarding the presence of senior doctors in hospitals during night shifts.

They said patients visiting a tertiary-care institution such as GMC Anantnag should not be left uncertain about the availability of a senior specialist when a medical emergency arises. [KNT]

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