After a week, J&K hospitals abuzz with patients
Srinagar, May 13: After a week of curtailed operations, hospitals across J&K, including the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, Jammu, Rajouri and Baramulla and their associated facilities, today witnessed a significant influx of patients as routine healthcare services resumed. The resumption comes with cautious planning and resource allocation given the recent period of uncertainties along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the interiors of J&K.
At Lal Ded Hospital, Kashmir’s major maternity facility, the Outpatient Department (OPD) recorded a massive attendance of 950 patients on Monday, far more than its average of 600 patients a day. The trend continued on Tuesday, with nearly 800 women seeking Antenatal, post natal and pregnancy Carr. Similarly, at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital, the OPD bustled with people, many patients waiting hours to get consultations for heart ailments, endocrine disorders, and conditions requiring surgical interventions.
Many patients Greater Kashmir spoke to narrated the difficulties they faced over the past one week in accessing healthcare, impediments caused by the prevailing situation. "We were unable to leave our homes for treatment, as there was so much uncertainty around," said a Srinagar resident, echoing sentiments shared by many. Those living in the city's vicinity said they deferred all important work over the past week for fears that lingered in the air.
Most hospitals had scaled down their admissions, sticking to emergency admissions only, mostly to conserve resources for potential emergencies. This, as per hospital administrator, was a precautionary measure driven by the volatile situation, and directed by the Health and Medical Education Department. Now, with the restoration of regular patient services, facilities are now grappling with the sudden and increased demand for medical care.
Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu said the medical college hospital was functioning as normal. "We had not stopped the routine patient services but now people are coming in more than what we saw last week," he said. He said the hospital had not wound-up its preparedness for emergency situation. "It is a balance we have to create between the two," he said.
Authorities at GMC Srinagar and associated hospitals also emphasized meticulous planning to manage the surge while ensuring resources remain available for any sudden demand for emergency care. "The focus remains on balancing routine care with disaster preparedness," the GMC Srinagar authorities said.
At GMC Rajouri and Baramulla, the two GMC that witnessed the direct impact of cross LoC violence, the hospitals have started receiving patients that desperately needed healthcare. Dr Parvaiz Masoodi, Medical Superintendent of GMC Baramulla said the hospital was alert for emergency. "But there is a huge catchment population that needs healthcare and we cannot keep in suspension," he said.]
