Bandipora, Aug. 31 -- Suhail Rather

At District Hospital Bandipora, the ban on voluntary workers exists only on paper. Three weeks after the administration ordered their removal, several continue to operate in sensitive wings of the hospital, from laboratories, Registration section, C T, X Ray, to operating theatres, shielded, insiders allege, by "proximity to officials."

On August 8, the Medical Superintendent issued Order No. DHB/25-26/621-24, declaring all voluntary services illegal. The directive warned section in-charges of disciplinary action if they engaged such workers, making them personally liable for any mishap. But enforcement has been selective: many were pushed out, while a few "blue-eyed" volunteers have been allowed to s...