Peerzada Sayeed
Maternity services and overall healthcare facilities at the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tangdhar in Kupwara district, North Kashmir, have been severely affected due to the non-availability of an anaesthetist. This lack of essential medical personnel has led to pregnant women being referred to hospitals in Srinagar, causing inconvenience and financial burden for the residents.
The neglected state of the only hospital in the area has been a cause for concern among the local population. Amir Hussain, a resident of Tangdhar, expressed his disappointment, stating that although the health department had recently appointed an anaesthetist, no one has joined the hospital yet. He questioned why the department had not taken strict action against those who violated regulations by not joining the Medical Block in Tangdhar.
The operation theatre at the hospital had been non-functional for several months, with only rotational doctors being posted until March 31. Due to the absence of an anaesthetist, pregnant women and other patients requiring surgeries or minor procedures are being forced to travel to Kupwara or Srinagar for treatment.
Manzoor Ahmad, whose wife is expecting, shared his ordeal of being asked to relocate his wife to either Kupwara or Srinagar before her expected delivery date. The situation has become increasingly distressing as the number of patients referred to Srinagar hospitals continues to rise. Those who cannot afford treatment in distant locations face additional hardships.
The lack of an anaesthetist has particularly affected maternity services at the rural hospital, placing a significant burden on pregnant women in the area. Even cases with minor complications are being referred elsewhere due to the unavailability of necessary resources.
“The non-availability of facilities has made life tough and troublesome for the people here,” expressed a concerned resident. The community has been demanding the upgrade of the hospital’s infrastructure, as people in this remote area frequently have to travel to Kupwara or Srinagar for specialized treatments.
Adding to the challenges faced by patients, the closure of Sadhna Pass during the winter period exacerbates their suffering. With limited access to healthcare facilities, the residents of Tangdhar and its surrounding areas face heightened difficulties during this time.
The local population hopes that the authorities will take immediate action to address the non-availability of an anaesthetist at SDH Tangdhar. They emphasize the urgent need for infrastructure improvement and the deployment of qualified medical professionals to ensure quality healthcare services for the community, especially pregnant women in need of proper care during childbirth.
