Official Neglect: GMC Baramulla’s elevator crisis remains unresolved for 12 years

Baramulla, Nov 13: The persistent elevator crisis at the Associated Hospital of Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla has stretched into its 12th year, with one lift defunct for more than five years and the other barely operational despite being under an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC).

Documents accessed by Greater Kashmir show that the two 26-passenger (G 2) MRL lifts were installed by the Jammu & Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) in 2012–13 as part of the hospital’s main building project. However, both lifts suffered technical faults from the outset, attributed to substandard components and poor-quality installation by the executing agency.

A hospital official, acknowledging long-standing public complaints, said the lifts “have never functioned properly since their installation. The components are of sub-standard quality and not suited for hospital-grade operations.”

The matter had earlier come under a vigilance inquiry, but the outcome of that investigation remains unclear.

Amid growing public frustration, hospital authorities repeatedly appealed to higher offices, including the Chief Executive Officer of the State Health Agency (SHA), J&K, seeking immediate replacement of both elevators. A detailed proposal for installing new 26-passenger hospital-grade lifts under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) was submitted last year.

However, in July 2025, the SHA rejected the proposal, citing National Health Authority (NHA) guidelines that prohibit using claim revenue for civil works in government hospitals. “The SHA turned down the proposal on technical grounds linked to NHA policy,” an official said.

While the hospital administration has tried to keep one elevator operational, frequent wear and tear, recurring mechanical faults, and safety concerns often force temporary shutdowns. These disruptions have caused repeated crises in the hospital, especially affecting patients in maternity, critical care, and emergency sections.

A recent viral video showing attendants carrying patients up the stairs underscored the severity of the situation. According to a hospital official, the latest breakdown occurred due to a damaged cable. “One of the lifts that had developed a snag has now been fully restored. Replacement parts had to be procured from outside Kashmir, which caused the delay,” a hospital spokesperson said.

The administration has also written to the Directorate of Vigilance seeking approval to repair the second long-defunct lift, but work has not begun. “Medical staff and patients continue to bear the brunt, particularly those who require immediate or sensitive care,” the spokesperson added.

Despite one lift being operational now, concerns remain over the hospital’s ability to handle another mechanical failure, given that the second lift has remained non-functional for over five years.

Civil society members in Baramulla have urged the government to replace both elevators with standard-compliant hospital units and undertake necessary civil and electrical upgrades. “This issue cannot be sidelined considering its impact on emergency response and patient dignity,” said Firdous Ahmad, a civil society member.