Srinagar: The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial hospital in Srinagar’s old town, one of the oldest hospitals of the Valley has just two doctors to attend to hundreds of visiting patients during the night hours.
If insiders are to be believed, only two doctors- one in emergency and another in Gynecology section cater to the healthcare demands of over a hundred patients visiting the hospital during night. Many of the patients, they said are referred to other hospitals in this summer capital due to the shortage of the medicos.
The ‘official apathy', as alleged by locals has cost many lives in the past.
Abdul Rasheed, a local narrated how his young son died due to the delayed treatment at the hospital.
“My son who had complications is chest was brought to the hospital for treatment. Due to the unavailability of doctors, we had to rush him to SK Institute of Medical Science (SKIMS). However, he died on the way to the hospital,” Rashid said.
“He could have survived had there been more doctors to attend him. The government’s lackadaisical approach killed my son,” he added.
Pertinently, the JLNM hospital Rainawari was established by Britishers during their rule in 1889. In 1990’s it was named after the first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
In the month of December last year, hospital sources said that at least 12476 patients visited the hospital in which at least 4000 patients visited during night hours. On an average, they said as many as 605 patients visit the hospital daily including 100 cases in causality.
“During the summer unrest last year, the patients had to suffer a lot. About 500 patients used to visit hospital in night time because of the curfew and restrictions in place during the day,” they added.
Adding to the list of problems, sources said the dermatologist post has not filled from the last four months by the administration.
"The hospital has 11 sections including dermatology. The dermatologist post is still vacant from 11 October, 2010 after Dr Ghulam Mohammad, who earlier held the post went on a leave," sources added.
The shortage of doctors, belying the much hyped official claims has also caused strong resentment among the locals.
"The hospital is ailing. The authorities have to wake-up. They can’t let the Valley’s oldest hospital go in shambles,” Abdul Sataar of Saida Kadal told this correspondent.
When contacted, Director Health, Mohammad Amin told Kashmir Dispatch that two senior doctors attend the patients during the night.
“Keeping in view the flow of patients, we have kept two senior doctors for night shift,” he said.
Amin also denied that the post of dermatologist was lying vacant for over four months.
“A lecturer was kept on standby, but within next week a permanent doctor would be appointed for the vacant post,” he added.
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