A Personal Journey and Reflection
In times of illness, a hospital becomes a beacon of hope, where dedicated doctors labor tirelessly on the path to recovery. Among the healthcare institutions in Kashmir, SMHS Hospital, affectionately known as “Hadwun Hospital,” holds a special place.
According to M. J. Aslam, a well-known author, historian, and columnist, the history of SMHS Hospital is rich and profound. It found its new home at SMHS in 1945, with Major C. M. Hadow’s generous contribution of land. This hospital, established in 1940 under the name Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS), has become an integral part of Kashmir’s healthcare landscape, earning the endearing moniker “Hadwun Haspataal.”
Today, SMHS Hospital is on an exciting journey of expansion, with numerous construction projects in progress. On the 17th of October 2023, my father underwent a critical surgery on his right hand wrist at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar. This intricate surgery, lasting an impressive five hours, was a resounding success, thanks to the skilled hands of Dr. Tahir Saleem and Dr. Farkhand Mohi Ud Din, under the guidance of the Head of Unit, Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid.
The surgery addressed a “soft tissue tumor” in a complex and vulnerable part of the body, involving numerous veins. During my conversation with Dr. Farkhand Mohi Ud Din, I learned that this tumor was particularly challenging, invading various crucial structures. The medical team’s expertise ensured the tumor’s complete removal while prioritizing the patient’s full functionality of the hand post-surgery.
My heartfelt gratitude extends to the entire medical team at SMHS Hospital, including the dedicated ground staff, nurses, and other doctors in Ward 16, for their unwavering dedication and exceptional care in treating my father.
During my multiple visits to the hospital in the 15 days leading up to the surgery, I became familiar with the hospital’s layout and the specific tests required, which can vary from patient to patient. Yet, the hospital’s sheer size and the high volume of patients it serves pose challenges for individuals from across Kashmir seeking medical attention. This significant patient load places immense pressure on the hospital staff, resulting in increased efforts and stress compared to smaller medical facilities.
Experiencing the advantages of accessing high-quality healthcare through PMGAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) highlights the significant impact of government initiatives. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that there is room for improvement in ensuring healthcare services are available round the clock, considering that health issues can arise at any time. Currently, these services are limited to operating from 10 am to 4 pm.
During my time at the hospital, I also identified areas that could be enhanced for the benefit of both patients and staff.
Firstly, when doctors prescribe tests, it can be challenging for patients to locate the appropriate testing facility within the hospital premises. This process can be streamlined by assigning staff members to assist patients in finding the correct department and test facility.
Secondly, the queues for depositing test fees can be quite lengthy, causing further inconvenience for patients. To alleviate this issue, the hospital should consider increasing the number of test fee deposit counters.
Furthermore, the hospital should employ more ground staff nurses, especially during night shifts, to ensure that patients receive the necessary attention and care.
The hospital follows a color-coded schedule for changing bed sheets daily. However, sometimes, even when beds are unoccupied, the hospital staff changes the bed sheets unnecessarily. This practice can result in unnecessary expenditure and is not a prudent use of resources.
The commitment of the hospital’s cleaning staff is commendable, but it is worth considering the addition of more personnel, particularly for the night shift, to further enhance cleanliness and mitigate any unpleasant odors.
Lastly, information boards at the hospital entrance indicating available services and the doctors on duty would greatly facilitate the patient’s journey through the hospital.
In conclusion, I extend my profound gratitude to all the individuals who played a pivotal role in my father’s treatment. I have faith that the hospital administration will consider these suggestions earnestly as they endeavor to enhance the quality of service provided at SMHS Hospital.
The Article is written by Aubaid Aakhoon
