Coronavirus crisis leads to 'non-availability' of emergency services in J&K hospitals

By A Representative
A civil rights organization, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Right to Information (RTI) Foundation, expressing concern over the non-availability of medical consultation facilities for emergency patients at Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) at various places in the state, has demanded provision of quarantine facilities outside hospital premises.
In a statement, chairman of the J&K RTI Foundation, Engineer Irfan, said that a regular monitoring the problems being faced by people during the Covid-19 emergency by the organization in the state suggests that people must restrain from coming out and visiting hospitals for minor issues, “we cannot ignore emergency situations.”
“Our district coordinators are reporting that the gynecology patients are suffering and they are required to travel long distances for consultation at the district level hospitals”, Irfan said.
Quoting the block medical officer of the SDH, Magam, Dr Taha, and the chief medical officer (CMO), Budgam, Irfan said, they insist “people have to bear this”, even as pointing out, it is very difficult for them to attend the gynecology patients at doorsteps.

People have to bear difficulties, doctors say; it's very difficult for them to attend gynecology patients by putting their lives in danger

Karar Reshi, district coordinator of the J&K RTI Foundation for Baramulla, meanwhile, has recommended for using the Government Degree College, Magam, as quarantine centre, while Riyaz Ahmad, district coordinator, Budgam has suggested for converting the District Institute for Education and Training (DIET), Beerwah, into a quarantine centre till COVID-19 crisis is over.
“We must not ignore the fact that it becomes very difficult to travel long distance during the emergency situations and because of blockades at different places patients are suffering. Why can’t government Issue orders for quarantining suspected or probable cases outside hospital premises to avoid any kind of problem? Covid-19 Crisis has become an excuse for many government officials”, Irfan wondered.

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