Srinagar, July 18, KDC: The Directorate of Health Services, Jammu has initiated an enquiry into serious allegations of workplace harassment leveled by a junior staff nurse against a senior health official in Batote, Ramban district.
As per official communication (No. DHSJ/Pub-Griev/ 5947) dated July 9, 2025, a formal complaint has been received by the Director Health Services Jammu from a Junior Staff Nurse (name withheld) at Community Health Centre (CHC) Batote, against Dr. Upinder Singh, Incharge Block Medical Officer (BMO) Batote.
In her complaint, according to Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), she has alleged a pattern of continuous verbal abuse, public humiliation, and psychological harassment by the officer. “He regularly abuses and criticizes me in front of patients and staff, spreads gossip and rumours to defame me, and subjects me to excessive monitoring,” the complainant stated. She further accused the BMO of assigning mentally exhausting tasks as a form of punishment and using threats and intimidation to create a hostile work environment.
“I had earlier reported the matter to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Ramban,” she said, “but no meaningful action has been taken and the harassment continues.”
Taking cognizance of the complaint, Dr. Abdul Hath Zargar, Director Health Services Jammu, has directed the Chief Medical Officer, Ramban to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report at the earliest.
The health department has not issued any public comment yet on the timeline or procedure of the inquiry. However, sources in the department confirmed that the issue is being “taken seriously.”
This incident adds to growing concerns over workplace harassment in the healthcare sector, particularly involving junior female staff who often face challenges in getting redressal within internal mechanisms.
Efforts to reach Dr. Upinder Singh for comments remained unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. (KDC)
