Helpline for complaints against lax medicos opened in J

Srinagar, Jul 10 (UNI) Complaints against unsatisfactory medical services in Jammu and Kashmir would be just a phone call away as the government has opened a helpline for the same.

''We have opened a helpline in the health department to receive complaints of emergent nature for urgent action,'' Secretary to government, health and medical education department K B Jandial said.

Mr Jandial said, in this regard the J and K High Court has also directed the health department to close down 40 illegal drug shops and clinics and cancel the registration of three others.

He said the helpline was opened to curb the activities of illegal medical shops and stores, ensure proper attendance of doctors in the hospitals and at remote and far-flung areas, sale of drugs by unauthorised persons and spurious drugs.

The response so far is not so good, he said adding we want to serve the people in a better way, provided they too cooperate.

However, he said, on the complaints of the common people, about 40 illegal medical shops and drug stores were sealed, licenses of three drug stores were cancelled and two doctors were suspended for absence from night duty.

Seeking more cooperation from the people, Mr Jandial said besides making complaints on phone, written complaints can also be made to him.

He said complaints can also be registered with Head of the Department concerned, including principal medical college Jammu and Srinagar, besides Director health services, Srinagar and Jammu.

UNI BAS ARB DS1252