The recent incident at GMC Srinagar & Associated Hospitals has once again exposed the deep-rooted flaws in our healthcare system. The hospital, which currently has only 34 ICU (ventilator) beds for critically ill patients, is constantly stretched to its limits. Despite the hospital authorities’ best efforts to accommodate a critically ill cancer patient, Shabir Ahmad, the glaring inadequacies in infrastructure and resources have raised serious concerns about the state of healthcare in our region.
The authorities at GMC Srinagar acted swiftly to arrange an ICU bed for the patient after receiving a late-afternoon request. However, the fact that the hospital’s ICU beds are almost always fully occupied due to the critical condition of numerous patients reflects a distressing reality—one that extends far beyond the walls of this particular hospital. The situation in other hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir is no different. The healthcare system is crumbling under the weight of its inefficiencies, and the government’s lack of attention to these pressing issues is becoming increasingly apparent.
The crux of the problem lies in the government’s failure to expand and upgrade medical facilities in line with the growing needs of the population. The shortage of ICU beds is just the tip of the iceberg. The condition of the installed oxygen plants across various hospitals is equally alarming. These vital installations, crucial for saving lives, are often in a state of neglect, with no dedicated caretakers to ensure their proper functioning. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of oxygen supply was tragically underscored, yet lessons seem to have been forgotten as the maintenance of these plants remains grossly inadequate.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call for the government to take immediate and concrete action. The healthcare system needs a comprehensive overhaul, starting with a significant increase in the number of ICU beds, not just at GMC Srinagar but across all hospitals in the region. Moreover, the maintenance of critical infrastructure, such as oxygen plants, must be prioritized, with trained personnel assigned to oversee their operation around the clock.
The public, civil society, and the media have been commendable in their support of the hospital services. However, this support should not be mistaken for complacency. The public’s trust in the healthcare system is eroding, and rightfully so, as these systemic issues remain unaddressed. The government must recognize that healthcare is a fundamental right and that the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir deserve better.
It is not enough to rely on the dedication of hospital staff who are already working under immense pressure. The government must step up, take responsibility, and invest in the healthcare infrastructure that our people so desperately need. The smooth functioning of hospital services should not depend on the goodwill of the public but on the efficiency and preparedness of the system itself.
As we reflect on the incident at GMC Srinagar, let us remember that it is symptomatic of a larger problem that demands urgent attention. The government must act now to prevent future tragedies and ensure that every citizen has access to the care they need, when they need it. The time for excuses is over; it is time for action.
