Banihal, Nov 14: An administrative inquiry has been ordered into allegations that some doctors at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal are referring patients to private medical facilities for diagnostic tests and treatment instead of facilitating the required healthcare services at the government hospital.
The inquiry follows a written complaint submitted by local resident and common volunteer Ruhan Dar, who has alleged a possible nexus between certain doctors and a private diagnostic establishment in the town. The complaint raises concerns over patient welfare, professional accountability and the delivery of public healthcare services.
The representation highlights alleged irregularities in the functioning of certain departments, particularly surgery, radiology and pathology.
According to the complaint, a surgeon posted at SDH Banihal is allegedly directing patients suffering from gastrointestinal ailments, gallbladder stones and appendicitis towards private clinics instead of providing appropriate consultation and treatment at the government facility.
It further alleges that patients with gastrointestinal problems are advised to undergo endoscopy and sigmoidoscopy at private facilities, while those requiring treatment for gallbladder stones and appendicitis are allegedly referred to private hospitals.
The complainant has also alleged that the hospital’s pathologist is not conducting certain investigations, including Peripheral Blood Film (PBF) tests and biopsies, during official working hours.
Furthermore, the representation claims that patients visiting the hospital’s ultrasound section are allegedly directed towards a radiologist’s private clinic on the pretext that the ultrasound equipment available at the government hospital is inadequate.
The complaint has also raised questions over the alleged absence of the concerned surgeon and radiologist from their official duties, particularly on Saturdays, and sought verification of their attendance and duty records.
Another significant issue highlighted in the complaint concerns the alleged expansion of a private diagnostic laboratory in Banihal into a multi-speciality consultation and procedural centre, reportedly offering services in cardiology, gastroenterology, gynaecology and other medical specialities.
The complainant has sought verification of the establishment’s registration, statutory permissions and mandatory regulatory clearances, including compliance with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, wherever applicable.
Taking cognizance of the representation, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Banihal Mohammad Naseeb Bajran (JKAS), through an official communication dated November 11, 2026, directed the Block Medical Officer (BMO), Banihal, to thoroughly examine the allegations, take appropriate action as warranted under rules and submit a detailed report.
Copies of the complaint and related correspondence have also been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Chief Medical Officer Ramban, Director Health Services Jammu and Registrar, J&K Medical Council, for information and further examination at their respective levels.
