Kashmir's Hospitals gear up to keep services running amidst snowfall

Srinagar, Dec 27: With snowfall covering most regions in Kashmir, making commute of patients and healthcare workers difficult, hospitals and health departments are bracing up to keep the services running and prevent any slack in functionality.

The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) today issued a circular to all Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents, and Block Medical Officers in the Kashmir division, urging them to prepare for the impending winter challenges. With snowfall reported from almost all districts of Kashmir, the health department has taken measures to ensure that healthcare services remain uninterrupted.

Healthcare institutions have been instructed to mobilize all necessary resources, including doctors, paramedics, and essential drugs. Control rooms have been activated at the district and block levels to manage any emergencies that may arise during the period.

Adequate heating arrangements have been ordered for patients and staff, in addition to ensuring all vents are sealed to prevent heat loss. Special instructions have been issued for hard-to-reach and cut-off areas.

A 24x7 control room has been established at the Directorate of Health Services, Bemina Srinagar, to coordinate winter preparedness efforts. The control room will be manned by a team of officers, including Dr Muzaffar Hussain Sheerwani, Divisional Nodal Officer-Winter Preparations.

Greater Kashmir spoke to administrators of various hospitals about their preparedness. Hospital administrators confirmed that they have made necessary arrangements to continue providing healthcare services amidst the harsh winter weather.

At SKIMS Soura, Medical Superintendent Dr Farooq A Jan stated that the hospital has staff and supplies in place, power backup, and regularly clears roads and paths. Dr Tasneem Showkat, Medical Superintendent SMHS Hospital said it has been ensured that there is adequate heating arrangements and normal functioning of all departments. The hospital is also coordinating with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to maintain accessible roads, she said. At Lal Ded Hospital, Medical Superintendent Dr. Mohammad Muzaffar Jan said he has made arrangements for attendants, including heated halls, and stationed staff to handle emergencies.