KOTLI (Kashmir English): The Health Regulatory Committee of District Kotli held an important meeting under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Major (R) Nasir Rafiq to improve and organize the local healthcare system. The session was attended by assistant commissioners, the District Health Officer (DHO), the Medical Superintendent of DHQ Hospital Kotli, the District Drug Controller, and representatives from the Medical Stores Association.
The Health Regulatory Committee reviewed the implementation of decisions made during its previous meeting on April 12, 2025. Several new steps were approved to bring private hospitals, pharmacies, and diagnostic centers under proper legal and administrative oversight.
One of the major decisions was to speed up the registration process for all private hospitals operating in the district. The DHO will hold meetings with hospital owners, distribute application forms, and collect required documents. All forms must be submitted to the DHO office by July 10, 2025.
Afterward, assistant commissioners will inspect the facilities according to SOPs and submit detailed reports. From July 17, 2025, action will be taken against unregistered or illegal hospitals.
During the meeting, the District Drug Controller shared that some medical stores were found operating with fake diplomas. These stores have been sealed, and the list will be sent to assistant commissioners to confirm whether any of them have reopened illegally.
The Health Regulatory Committee also instructed the DHO to create separate registration forms for maternity homes, dental clinics, laboratories, X-ray and MRI units, pharmacies, and alternative medicine centers like herbal and homeopathic setups. This will help bring all facilities into compliance based on their category.
A weekly inspection schedule for the Deputy Drug Controller will also be implemented by the Health Regulatory Committee to ensure consistent monitoring across all subdivisions.
The committee also discussed low wages of nursing staff in private hospitals. All private facilities have now been ordered to pay nurses at least Rs. 37,000 per month, in line with the official notification from the Government of Azad Kashmir.
At the end of the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Nasir Rafiq issued a strong message: Negligence in the health sector will not be tolerated. Legal action will be taken against any unregistered hospitals, medical stores, or labs violating rules. Ensuring a safe and regulated healthcare system remains the administration’s top priority.
