Cardiologist Dr Syed Maqbool has rejected allegations levelled against him in connection with the PMJAY-SEHAT controversy, asserting that the matter remains under inquiry and that no conclusions have been reached by the authorities.
Dr Maqbool said the allegations contained in a departmental memorandum were being misrepresented in sections of the media and should not be treated as established findings.
“What is being circulated in the media is totally different from the actual report. People are treating a memorandum of allegations as a final verdict, which is not correct,” he said.
Dr Maqbool said Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag had already submitted a detailed response to the concerns raised by the authorities and that the inquiry committee was currently examining the material placed before it.
“We have replied to every allegation with documentary evidence. The matter is under consideration and we have full faith in the system. Justice will ultimately prevail,” he said.
Urging restraint, the cardiologist appealed to the public not to prejudge the outcome of the proceedings.
“Let us not jump to conclusions and make a mountain out of a molehill. An inquiry is meant to establish facts, not to pronounce guilt before the process is complete,” he said.
Meanwhile, medico and health activist Dr Mohammad Momin Khan also cautioned against equating allegations with proof of wrongdoing.
“An inquiry is meant to establish facts, not deliver a verdict. Unfortunately, allegations often lead to instant public judgment, with reputations being damaged long before any investigation is completed. Due process exists to ensure fairness, and no individual should be declared guilty until the truth is established through a proper inquiry,” he said.
Dr Momin described Dr Maqbool as one of the Valley’s prominent cardiologists and said he had treated thousands of patients over the years, including many from economically weaker sections.
“If any wrongdoing is ultimately established, accountability must follow. But until then, fairness demands restraint and respect for due process,” he added.
The controversy relates to a departmental memorandum issued against Dr Maqbool, a cardiologist at GMC Anantnag. The memorandum accuses him of misrepresenting cardiac procedures under the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme, generating wrongful claims, bypassing official procurement channels and subjecting several patients to procedures that an expert audit reportedly found lacked medical justification.
The department has recommended major disciplinary action, including termination from service. Dr Maqbool has denied the allegations and maintains that the inquiry process is still underway. (KNT)
