4 years on, overhead bridge for Superspeciality Hospital yet to be constructed

Srinagar, Nov 27: Lack of an overhead bridge linking Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital with the Superspeciality Hospital at Shreen Bagh remains a concern for both patients and their attendants.

Despite being sanctioned in 2019, progress on this crucial infrastructure project has been stagnant. The bridge was aimed to establish a dedicated and secure pathway between these two vital healthcare facilities.

Notably, SMHS Hospital had transferred some specialty departments to Superspecialty Hospital (SSH) in 2016. SSH presently manages over 14 specialty departments. Hospital admissions or OPD consultations are based on referrals from facilities affiliated with GMC, SMHS or DHSK.

Patients seeking specialised treatment in areas such as cardiology or neurology are required to be shifted to SSH for essential tests or examinations.

Many attendants of patients admitted to both hospitals shared their challenges with Greater Kashmir, revealing that they are compelled to navigate between the two medical facilities by either crossing a busy road or utilizing stretchers, wheelchairs, and ambulances.

Patients, particularly those in critical condition requiring intubation, face challenges due to the traffic on the road. Similarly, patients who need to shift from SMHS for essential procedures like angioplasty at the Superspeciality Hospital become precarious due to heavy traffic on the road.

Asifa (name changed) from Downtown Srinagar told Greater Kashmir that shifting her mother from SMHS to SSH was difficult and challenging.

"My mother underwent intubation at the Triage room at SMHS Hospital and shifting her to SSH's ICU was risky at the time due to heavy traffic jams," she said.

Another attendant said that the bridge would not only streamline the transportation process but also significantly reduce the risks associated with navigating through congested roads.

A senior official at SMHS Hospital said that an overhead bridge would ensure timely and safe transfers, especially for patients in critical conditions.

"Most of the heart patients and other critical patients at SMHS hospital require shifting to Superspeciality Hospital for immediate stenting procedures. So, the overhead bridge is very important, “he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Muzaffar Zargar, Medical Superintendent of SMHS Hospital told Greater Kashmir that patient transfers are conducted safely.

"It is true that the overhead bridge will be constructed. But for now, we are not encountering difficulties. We cannot close the road," he said.

Sajad Ahmad, Chief Engineer, Roads and Building department told Greater Kashmir that he would look into the matter. "I have recently joined the department. I will definitely look into this matter," he said.