Anantnag, April 12, KNT: Faculty members from the Microbiology Section of Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag reportedly went on a picnic during duty hours, even as the department continues to handle Covid-19 testing during the pandemic, sources said.
The development comes at a time when the Microbiology Section of the hospital has been handling a significant workload due to Covid-19 testing requirements.
Insiders told KNT that only two technicians were present in the Microbiology Section on Monday while several faculty members had reportedly gone to Achabal for a picnic.
People who visited the section for Covid-related tests were informed that staff members had gone to Achabal, the sources added.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, a large number of people visit the Microbiology laboratory for testing, making the functioning of the department critical for public health management.
Some locals expressed concern over the incident, saying gatherings were being discouraged during the pandemic while government employees were allegedly seen enjoying a picnic.
“This is really shocking. On one side people are being asked to avoid gatherings and maintain social distancing, while on the other hand some officials are reportedly out on a picnic,” a local resident said.
Head of the Department, Microbiology at GMC Anantnag, Dr Rubeena could not be contacted for comment as she did not respond to phone calls.
However, Principal GMC Anantnag Dr Showkat Jeelani confirmed that some faculty members from the Microbiology Section had gone to Achabal.
“They have gone to Achabal which is at a stone’s throw distance from the district. They will be back soon,” the principal told KNT. [KNT]
