Mir Aatif
Bandipora, July 31 (KINS): District Hospital Bandipora has come under public scrutiny after residents alleged difficulties in accessing certain healthcare services, including CT scan facilities.
They have urged the District Administration and the Health Department to look into the matter and address the grievances.
Residents alleged that several issues concerning the hospital remain unresolved and receive attention only after they are highlighted in the media. They appealed to the authorities to conduct a detailed review and ensure better healthcare services for the public.
One of the major concerns raised by residents was the alleged absence of a dedicated Help Desk at the hospital. They said that while most major hospitals across Kashmir have Help Desks to assist patients and attendants, District Hospital Bandipora allegedly lacked such a facility, causing inconvenience to people seeking information about various hospital services.
Another concern relates to access to CT scan services for people seeking age certificates. The affected individuals alleged that they were informed the CT scan facility was available only for admitted or regular patients and that CT scans required for age determination were not being conducted. They claimed they had been receiving the same response for several days.
The residents further alleged that many economically weaker families are unable to afford the cost of travelling outside the district for diagnostic tests. They said that since the CT scan facility is available at District Hospital Bandipora, eligible patients should not be compelled to visit hospitals outside the district.
According to the residents, referring patients outside the district for routine diagnostic procedures places an unnecessary financial burden on families and causes avoidable inconvenience.
Residents also raised concerns over the hospital’s administrative functioning. They alleged that some employees have remained posted in the same positions for several years without transfers or administrative restructuring. According to them, prolonged postings have affected accountability and the overall functioning of the institution.
Responding to the allegations, the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora said he was attending a meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner when the matter was brought to his notice. He said that after returning to the hospital, the CT scan unit functioned normally and 21 CT scans were conducted free of cost by the end of the day.
However, residents questioned why people had allegedly been turned away or advised to visit hospitals outside the district over the previous several days if the facility was operational. They sought clarification and urged the authorities to ensure that such situations do not recur.
When contacted, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora,said that a Help Desk has now been established at District Hospital Bandipora. She added that the remaining grievances raised by the residents would also be examined.(KINS)
