Anantnag, March 27, KNT: Three employees, including an in-charge storekeeper, a pharmacist and a staff nurse, were suspended on Friday at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag after attendants alleged that expired DNS glucose bottles were being administered to patients in a surgical ward, officials said.
The issue surfaced after attendants claimed they checked intravenous fluid bottles and found expiry dates had lapsed, triggering panic inside the ward where dozens of patients were admitted.
The incident has raised serious concerns over patient safety and handling of medical supplies, with allegations of negligence and administrative failure at a major government hospital.
Attendants said they flagged the issue to hospital staff, but alleged that some nurses misbehaved instead of addressing the complaint.
“There was panic in the ward after we saw expired bottles being used. When we raised it, we were not taken seriously,” an attendant said.
Medical Superintendent Dr Arshid Hasan Siddiqui confirmed the action and said an inquiry had been initiated.
GMC Anantnag — Negligence Incidents and Inquiries
- Repeated negligence complaints: Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has faced multiple allegations in recent years related to patient care, supply management and hospital administration, prompting official inquiries.
- Expired medicines / supplies cases: Incidents involving expired or substandard medical supplies being allegedly used or found in wards have triggered probes, including the latest DNS glucose controversy.
- Patient care lapses: There have been complaints from attendants about delayed treatment, inadequate monitoring and staff response, leading authorities to order departmental inquiries at different points.
- Misconduct allegations: Attendants in past cases have also alleged misbehaviour by hospital staff, particularly during disputes over treatment or facilities, adding to public concern.
Multiple inquiries ordered: Authorities have repeatedly ordered inquiries into various incidents, often assuring action and transparency, though attendants and civil society groups have questioned the outcomes of some probes. - Accountability concerns: Public perception remains critical, with frequent allegations that inquiries do not always lead to visible accountability, raising concerns over systemic oversight.
- Institutional pressure: As a major healthcare facility serving south Kashmir, GMC Anantnag continues to face increased scrutiny over governance, patient safety and administrative control
“Three employees, including the storekeeper, pharmacist and a staff nurse, have been suspended. An inquiry has been ordered and the report will be made public within a week,” he told the news agency Kashmir News Trust
He said the probe would examine how expired stocks were issued and whether standard operating procedures were violated at the storage and ward levels.
Attendants, however, questioned the credibility of the inquiry, alleging that previous investigations into similar issues had not resulted in accountability.
“This should not become another eyewash. We want a serious and transparent investigation,” one attendant said.
They appealed to the Health Minister and Deputy Commissioner Anantnag to intervene and ensure strict action against those responsible.
The case highlights persistent concerns over monitoring of medical supplies in public hospitals, where lapses can have direct consequences on patient safety. [KNT]
