Power crisis in Kashmir disrupts patient care, poses threat to oxygen-dependent individuals
Srinagar Dec 23 (KINS): The ongoing power crisis in Kashmir has severely impacted patient care, particularly for those relying on oxygen concentrators and other life-saving equipment at home.
The erratic electricity supply has left patients and their families grappling with uncertainty and anxiety as critical devices fail to function during prolonged outages.
With temperatures plummeting, the demand for electricity has surged, leading to unscheduled power cuts across the region. For oxygen-dependent patients, this disruption is life-threatening.
“My father depends on an oxygen concentrator round the clock. During power cuts, we have no option but to use backup cylinders, which are expensive and not always available,” Shabir Ahmad, a resident of Khanyar, told news agency KINS.
Medical experts have raised concerns about the health risks posed by the crisis.
“Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or other respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable. Any interruption in oxygen supply can lead to severe complications, or even fatalities,” a doctor at SMHS Hospital said.
In rural areas, where access to backup generators or alternative energy sources is limited, the situation is even more dire. Families often resort to makeshift solutions, which are neither sustainable nor reliable.
The crisis has also highlighted the inadequacy of the region’s healthcare infrastructure in dealing with such emergencies. Despite assurances from authorities, residents say there has been little improvement in the power supply. “We have been hearing promises for years, but the ground reality remains the same,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a resident of Anantnag.
Health officials have urged the government to prioritize uninterrupted power supply for households with critical patients. Meanwhile, families are appealing for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of lives. (KINS)
