DH Bandipora lacks equipment for heart-related treatment, seeks upgrade

Bandipora, Jan 5: The north Kashmir's Bandipora district hospital is seeking machinery to start treatment for heart patients, who currently need to visit private centers or hospitals in Srinagar or outside the district.

Insiders privy to the matter told Greater Kashmir that the hospital has a consultant with a DM in Cardiology, who could be utilised to treat patients with heart ailments.

However, the hospital lacks the necessary machinery or a dedicated department to kick-start these services.

The minimum requirement for the hospital is an echocardiography machine, also known as a cardiac ultrasound, which the district can procure easily for around 15 lakh rupees.

In this regard, the hospital administration has communicated with the district administration to consider the request for the welfare of the people.

"There are many patients who require echocardiography tests due to the growing prevalence of heart-related ailments. Moreover, those already dealing with heart issues have to travel long distances or seek private consultations at high costs," the insiders explained.

They added that the service would benefit all these patients, including those who are financially modest. They stressed that it was high time for the hospital to procure the necessary machinery.

The Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora, Dr Masarat Iqbal Wani, confirmed that the services are feasible given the availability of the doctor, stating, "The matter has already been taken up with the administration."

The administration appears to have provided a positive response. The services would significantly benefit the people of Bandipora, the MS said.