Medical Misconduct: Doctor’s License Suspended for Delinquency

The Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council (JKMC) on Monday suspended the registration of a doctor terming him as “delinquent” and “incompetent.” The action was taken against Dr Ishtiyaq Abdullah, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics at Government Medical College (GMC), Baramulla, after the report of an inquiry committee.

The order by JKMC said that during his appearance before the inquiry committee, Dr Abdullah acknowledged that he had not been regularly attending his official duties at GMC Baramulla and was unable to defend his case.

The report also highlighted his surgical incompetence, which has been conclusively proven.

The JKMC further stated, “It has been established that you are a proven delinquent medical practitioner and guilty of professional misconduct and technical incompetence. Based on the committee’s report, the JKMC has decided to suspend Dr Istiyaq’s registration certificate numbers 3909 (Additional Qualification) and 10077 (Permanent Registration) for a period of one year, effective from August 21, 2024.”

“It is expected that you use this time to reflect, review, and improve your skills. During the suspension period, as a trainee, you must work under the guidance of the HoD Orthopaedics, GMC Handwara, who will assess and authenticate your surgical capabilities and professional conduct,” the JKMC stated.

“The council will review the assessment report submitted by the Principal/HoD Orthopedics, GMC Handwara, before deciding on any future authorisation for you to perform surgeries or practice after the one-year suspension,” it said.