Health Minister quashes Chest Disease Hospital’s relocation plan

Srinagar, Jan 4: Health Minister Sakina Masood on Saturday dispelled concerns about the long-debated relocation of Srinagar’s Chest Disease (CD) Hospital Dalgate, clarifying that there is currently no proposal with the incumbent Government to shift the hospital to the GB Pant Hospital at Sonwar.

Addressing these speculations during her visit to the CD Hospital at Dalgate, the Minister stated, “There is no proposal to shift the hospital at present with this Government. However, issues like congestion, lack of beds, and the absence of lifts and ramps need urgent attention, and we are working to address them”.

This statement comes as a stark contrast to J&K Government’s October 2022 order to relocate the CD Hospital. While some outpatient services and diagnostic facilities were temporarily moved to GB Pant, the main hospital remains at its original site, hamstrung by overcrowding and resource constraints.

Significant shortcomings at GB Pant, such as inadequate oxygen generation capacity and the need for upgrades, stalled the plan. While the Dalgate hospital provides high-flow oxygen to every bed, GB Pant’s current capacity falls far short of requirements, with only 500 liters against the needed 3,500 liters.

During her visit, the Health Minister acknowledged the challenges at the CD Hospital and emphasised the government’s focus on improving healthcare services. She was accompanied by MLA Lal Chowk, Ahsan Pardesi. She stressed that there was a dire need to expand the infrastructure at the hospital. “Many patients have told me today they are unable to get beds, but how will the hospital provide when they have no space for more beds,” she said,

She warned against any negligence in patient care, whether in public or private hospitals, and reiterated that strict action would be taken against doctors engaging in private practice during hospital hours. “The government is committed to resolving the issues faced by patients and medical staff alike. There should be no compromise on patient care,” she stated. She expressed the Government's zero tolerance towards negligence and mistreatment towards patients.

Regarding the shifting of CD Hospital, two years ago, the government announced its decision to move it to GB Pant facility, which became available after the Children’s Hospital shifted to a new location in Bemina. The move was offered as a solution to the CD Hospital’s space issues, with promises of expanded facilities and better infrastructure.

Medical professionals had voiced concerns about patient safety, stressing that GB Pant Hospital requires substantial upgrades before it can accommodate the specialised needs of chest disease patients.

The lack of progress on the relocation had raised questions about the government’s planning and execution. “If the GB Pant facility was not ready to host the CD Hospital, why was the move announced in the first place?” stakeholders asked.

In March 2024, Health Secretary Abid Rashid Shah promised action, but little has changed on the ground. Healthcare staff at the hospital had been wondering whether the government would eventually revisit the relocation or focus on upgrading the CD Hospital’s existing infrastructure. “For now, the Minister’s statement has brought some clarity, but it also underscores the need for a long-term vision to address the pressing healthcare needs of Jammu and Kashmir,” a senior doctor from the hospital said.