Waris Fayaz
Sopore, Jan 30 : The Sub-District Hospital (SDH) in north Kashmir’s Sopore, a crucial healthcare facility catering to thousands of people from Sopore and adjoining areas, is grappling with a severe crisis as vital medical equipment, including the X-ray and anaesthesia machines, have gone out of order.
The breakdown has not only put patients at risk but has also brought essential surgeries and diagnostic procedures to a standstill.
Official sources informed the news agency that the non-functional anaesthesia machine has led to the postponement of several surgeries, causing immense distress to patients in need of immediate medical intervention.
The defunct X-ray machine, a basic yet indispensable diagnostic tool, has further worsened the situation, forcing patients to seek alternatives at private clinics. However, authorities at the health facility said that they temporarily repaired the machine.
A senior doctor, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “This hospital caters to a large population from Sopore and adjoining areas like Rafiabad and Zaingeer, but the lack of functioning equipment is crippling our ability to provide timely healthcare. Patients requiring surgery are either being referred or left waiting indefinitely.”
Locals of Sopore said despite repeated appeals, the authorities have failed to upgrade the hospital’s infrastructure. They said the absence of basic medical equipment in a major healthcare facility is unacceptable.
Block Medical Officer (BMO) Sopore, Dr Zulfiqar speaking over the malfunctioning of medical equipment, said the digital X-ray machine had developed a snag and a necessary repair part had to be procured from outside the valley. “It is already on its way, and we are hopeful that the machine will be functional within the next two days,” he said.
To mitigate the inconvenience, the hospital sought an alternative arrangement and X-rays were done today, BMO claimed. “We are catering to patients in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Those needing an X-ray earlier were provided with a hospital slip to avail the facility outside,” he added.
Regarding the defunct anaesthesia machine, the BMO clarified that it was an old unit, nearly 25 years old. However, he assured that another anaesthesia machine was operational and being used for gynaecological surgeries. “We had two anaesthesia machines—one is functional and is being used 24/7 for gynaecology surgeries. However, general surgeries have been temporarily halted due to the non-functional unit,” he said.
The BMO added that they have already put the matter before the higher-ups and are hopeful that a new anaesthesia machine will be available within a week or two.
