PDP Accuses NC Government of Institutionalised Corruption in Pacemaker Scandal Opposition leader Iltija Mufti of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) accused the National Conference (NC) government of Jammu and Kashmir of institutionalised corruption after an alleged “pacemaker scam” emerged at the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag. Mufti claimed the scandal exposed systemic mismanagement, with cardiologists at the hospital performing unnecessary advanced cardiac surgeries on patients who did not require them. The inquiry into procedural irregularities at the institution revealed that nearly 50% of patients who underwent such procedures did not need them, raising concerns about fraudulent practices. The investigation by the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department uncovered evidence of manipulated medical records, fraudulent insurance claims, and patient exploitation. Dr. Syed Maqbool, a cardiologist at GMC Anantnag, was specifically named in the inquiry for alleged large-scale procedural irregularities. Mufti accused the NC government of prioritizing financial misconduct over healthcare, stating that instead of addressing the state’s collapsing healthcare system, officials had shifted blame to the PDP. Mufti also criticized the NC government for allegedly misusing public funds, citing allegations of charging excessive fees for transferring doctors and government officers. She accused Health Minister Sakina Itoo of fostering an “unprofessional and uneducated work culture” and claimed her leadership had worsened healthcare services, putting lives at risk. The PDP further demanded accountability, questioning how the government could address such issues while facing serious allegations of financial misconduct.#jammu_and_kashmir #pdp #nc_government #gmc_anantnag #dr_syed_maqbool
