Power Challenges Impact Patient Care in Rural Kashmir Hospitals

Power Challenges Impact Patient Care in Rural Kashmir Hospitals

Asif Iqbal | November 27, 2023 | 08:41 AM IST | Kashmir | Follow on Google News

Power Challenges Impact Patient Care in Rural Kashmir Hospitals

Power Challenges Impact Patient Care in Rural Kashmir Hospitals

Rural hospitals in the Kashmir Valley are contending with frequent power outages, significantly impacting patient care, particularly during the winter months. Despite their crucial role in healthcare, these facilities are grappling with disruptions that pose challenges for both patients and medical staff.

Concerns have been raised by residents from various areas, shedding light on the difficulties arising from electricity shortages during peak hours. Sub-District Hospitals/Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres in regions such as Budgam, Ganderbal, Magam, Tangmarg, Baramulla, Pattan, and Rafiabad are finding it challenging to maintain medical services due to power inadequacies.Mushtaq Ahmad, a patient from Tangmarg, highlighted the struggles faced by the sub-district hospital and PHCs in the area. He emphasized that existing solar systems and generators are insufficient to meet the needs of patients.

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“Although there are solar systems and generators, they don’t cater to the needs of patients. The healthcare system in the Tangmarg area has been severely affected,” he expressed.The Tangmarg healthcare system is under significant strain, with hospitals struggling to provide essential diagnostics. Hospitals lacking alternative power sources are forced not to provide necessary diagnostics, adversely affecting healthcare services.Expressing his concerns, Ahmad stated, “There should be a separate line for the hospitals or huge backups, which is impossible. Healthcare should not be compromised.

” The problem is particularly severe in Primary Health Centres, causing inconvenience for the local population.As patients bear the brunt of power outages, health officials warn that the lack of electricity can be more problematic for critical patients dependent solely on oxygen in hospitals. In rural areas, obtaining an oxygen cylinder becomes challenging as the hospitals lack oxygen plants, leaving people struggling to arrange for cylinders.Saleem Ahmad from Rafiabad shared the plight of his grandmother, an asthma patient needing an oxygen concentrator at home. He highlighted the erratic power supply in their region, affecting both patients and hospital staff during power outages.

Medical experts expressed their concerns, emphasizing that a proper supply of oxygen is crucial for patients. The risk of hypoxia, a deficiency in the amount of oxygen, is heightened when power interruptions occur. Patients on oxygen support face significant risks, as power supply is vital for their well-being.Javed Yousuf Dar, Chief Engineer, PDD, Distribution, reassured that hospitals in Srinagar and rural areas on essential lines receive round-the-clock electricity.

However, he acknowledged potential inconveniences due to curtailment. For PHCs on general lines, separate arrangements are challenging, according to Dar.Officials from the health department in Kashmir acknowledged the inconveniences in rural areas and stated their commitment to connecting major hospitals with essential power lines while adding backup facilities wherever possible.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.