Govt Urged to Order Independent Expert Probe Into GMC Anantnag Cath Lab Controversy; Patients Seek Fair Review, Continuation of Cardiac Services
Anantnag, June 21: Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding noted cardiologist Dr. Syed Maqbool and the functioning of the Cath Lab at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, residents, patients, and members of the medical community have urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to constitute an independent high-level committee of senior cardiology and electrophysiology experts from premier institutions, including All India Institute of Medical Sciences and other reputed cardiac centres, to conduct a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the matter.
Several patients who have received treatment from Dr. Maqbool described him as a dedicated and skilled cardiologist and expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding cardiac services in South Kashmir. They said they were unable to understand the circumstances that led to the present controversy and appealed for a fair assessment based on medical facts and expert opinion.
Patients and residents emphasized that the Cath Lab at GMC Anantnag has been providing critical cardiac care to thousands of people from Anantnag and neighbouring districts. They maintained that uninterrupted cardiac services are essential and that the functioning of the Cath Lab should continue without disruption while the matter remains under review.
Many members of the public urged the government to ensure that advanced cardiac care facilities remain operational and that patients do not suffer due to the ongoing controversy. They said an independent team of senior cardiologists and cardiac electrophysiology experts should personally examine all relevant records, review the procedures in question, and determine whether the allegations are technically justified or stem from a misunderstanding of specialized cardiac pacing techniques.
The demand follows support extended to Dr. Maqbool by several cardiac specialists, including experts from abroad, who have reportedly termed the issue a highly technical matter requiring evaluation by qualified specialists in the field.
Residents further stated that if an independent inquiry ultimately finds that Dr. Maqbool was not involved in any wrongdoing, his professional reputation, years of service, and contribution to cardiac healthcare should be duly acknowledged and protected. They stressed that no medical professional should face damage to his career without a transparent, evidence-based, and scientifically informed investigation.
The public also appealed to the government to consider allowing experienced specialists to continue contributing to patient care while ensuring that all allegations are thoroughly examined through a fair and impartial process.
Calling for a fresh review by independent experts, residents said the final outcome should be based on factual verification, technical medical assessment, and established scientific standards. They maintained that such an approach would uphold both accountability and public confidence in specialized healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir.
The residents urged the government to adopt a balanced and evidence-based approach so that justice, transparency, and quality healthcare remain paramount in the larger public interest. (KNC)