Shifting of CD Hospital gets Govt’s push

Srinagar, Mar 8: The proposed shifting of Chest Disease (CD) Hospital to GB Panth Hospital at Sonwar, which has remained confined to paper for over a year now, will finally see some momentum.

The Secretary of Health and Medical Education Abid Rashid Shah has intervened in the long-delayed plan, stating that the required steps will be taken to get the project going.

In October 2022, the Government Medical College (GMC) Principal issued a directive to relocate CD Hospital and utilise the vacant GB Panth Hospital to provide better facilities. However, 17 months later, the 250-bed GB Panth Hospital remains unused while CD Hospital struggles with infrastructure limitations and insufficient capacity.

When asked about the delay, Health Secretary Abid Rashid Shah said, “We are seized of this issue. I am confident whatever steps must be taken will be taken, so patients don’t suffer.”

Doctors cited issues like lack of oxygen supply and ventilation at GB Panth Hospital that need addressing before CD Hospital can shift.

“GMC Srinagar is working on it on top priority. Once repair works are completed, we will shift. It will take some time,” said a health official.

Meanwhile, CD Hospital has started limited OPD at GB Panth Hospital but inpatient services remain non-operational.

According to doctors, the decision to shift to CD Hospital was made after GB Panth Hospital was relocated to Bemina. They highlighted that CD Hospital has a 4000 LPM oxygen capacity while GB Panth Hospital only had 500 LPM, which is insufficient and needs augmentation to 2500 LPM.

Doctors add that oxygen was not available in every bed at GB Panth Hospital, but it is required for each CD Hospital bed.

A senior doctor said the Mechanical and R&B departments have prepared a DPR that is submitted to GMC Srinagar and higher authorities for approval. They further said Chest Medicine HOD has provided requirements that the GMC Principal has reviewed. “Internal changes at GB Panth Hospital will only happen once the DPR is approved, as there are also ventilation and ceiling issues that need fixing.”

“GMC Srinagar is prioritising the shifting and once repair works are done, the process will be completed in a few months. CD Hospital has already started limited OPD at GB Panth Hospital but inpatient facilities remain unavailable. Officials added that the existing CD Hospital may later be used as an infectious diseases or drug de-addiction centre.”