Srinagar, July 19 (KNS): Sub District Hospital (SDH) in Bani, Kathua, is grappling with severe shortages of medical staff and basic facilities. The hospital, which serves a population of over 60,000 in an expansive area of 46,828 square kilometers, is facing numerous challenges that hinder its ability to provide adequate healthcare services to the community.
According to details, the SDH Bani has a total of 12 medical officer positions, out of which only 4 are filled, including the Block Medical Officer (BMO), leaving 8 positions vacant. Moreover, the situation is dire for specialist doctors, with all 5 positions lying vacant, including crucial roles such as Gynecologist, Anesthetist, Physician, Pediatrician, and Orthopedic.
The shortage of specialist doctors has caused significant hardships for patients, with an ultrasound doctor available at the hospital only once a week. On an average day, the hospital sees around 100 patients in the Outpatient Department (OPD), and the lack of adequate facilities means that 2 to 3 sections often run within a single room.
The hospital's infrastructure is a pressing concern as well, being 40 years old and facing a shortage of buildings. There is only one OPD available, and there are no quarters provided for the doctors. The demand for at least 10 quarters for doctors and an equal number of non-gazetted quarters remains unmet.
SDH Bani currently has only three ambulances: one for 108 emergency services and two for 102 emergency services. The local community is demanding two more ambulances for the 108 service to enhance emergency response.
The lack of specialist doctors at SDH Bani has led to an alarming situation where complicated cases, including deliveries, have to be referred to distant facilities like the District Hospital in Kathua, located approximately 154 km away, or even the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu, nearly 235 km away. This results in significant delays in receiving critical medical attention, sometimes taking up to half a day to reach District Hospital and even more to reach GMC Jammu.
Despite being part of the Digital India initiative, the residents of Tehsil Bani are deprived of basic healthcare facilities. Consequently, many patients are forced to seek treatment at private clinics, GMC Jammu, or other private hospitals due to the lack of specialists at SDH Bani.
Mudasar Ali, a prominent social activist from the Tehsil Bani region, has appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Monaj Sinah, the Director of Health Services in Jammu, and the DC Kathua to urgently address the pressing issues faced by the hospital. The community's plea is for immediate attention to their demands and to improve the healthcare infrastructure, ensuring access to specialist doctors and essential facilities in SDH Bani. (KNS)