Srinagar, Feb 29, KNT: A startling revelation has emerged, indicating that over 40% of referrals from rural hospitals to Kashmir’s premier maternity specialty, Lalla Ded Hospital, are found to be inauthentic. These unverified referrals are significantly burdening Srinagar’s LD Hospital, according to Dr. Muzaffar Jan, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital.Dr. Muzaffar Jan revealed to the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the Secretary of Health and Medical Education recently requested data regarding inauthentic referrals, and the information was duly provided. He further mentioned that the Secretary has even sought the names of doctors responsible for unnecessarily referring patients with labor pain to LD Hospital, expressing hope that appropriate action will be taken against them, acting as a deterrent for future incidents.In response to inquiries, Dr. Jan emphasized that LD Hospital provides treatment even to those patients referred on flimsy grounds, as they cannot turn away patients arriving from distant areas such as Uri, Kupwara, and Anantnag.Dr. Muzaffar Jan highlighted that over the past couple of years, LD Hospital has experienced a surge in referrals, and a significant proportion of them were deemed inauthentic. This influx of mostly illegitimate referrals is placing an immense burden on the healthcare facilities at LD Hospital, affecting the efficiency of services.Given that maternity care in the Kashmir Valley heavily relies on Lalla Ded Hospital, the escalating number of inauthentic referrals is straining its resources, emphasizing the need for a careful and judicious referral system to ensure the optimal functioning of healthcare services.
Over 40% Referrals to LD Hospital from Peripheries Turn Out Inauthentic: Dr. Muzaffar Jan
