UMAR RASHID
Baramulla, August 10, 2024: A severe water and power crisis at the Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla has sparked outrage among patients and their attendants.
Reports have surfaced alleging that there is no water facility inside the hospital, and frequent power outages during the sweltering summer months have added to the misery of those seeking medical care.
SNS Kashmir attempted to reach out to the concerned officials of GMC Baramulla for a response, but despite multiple efforts, no official statement was provided. This lack of communication has only fueled the growing frustration among the public.
The situation in the hospital has reportedly deteriorated, with attendants alleging that the absence of water has led to unsanitary conditions, making it difficult to maintain hygiene standards. “We are facing immense difficulties. There is no water for basic needs like drinking, washing hands, or using the toilets. This is unacceptable in a healthcare facility,” said one of the attendants.
In an earnest attempt to resolve the ongoing water crisis at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, the Army and the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department collaborated to send multiple water tankers to the college premises. The shortage had become a significant issue, affecting both patients and healthcare workers, who were struggling with limited water supply for daily operations.
This incident has sparked outrage among local residents and activists, who have called for an investigation into the negligence. Many are questioning the competence of the college administration in handling such a crucial issue, especially when external agencies have stepped in to offer help.
Compounding the issue, frequent power cuts have made it nearly impossible to carry out essential medical tests, further compromising patient care. “They can’t even do the basic tests because there’s no electricity. We are suffering in this heat, and the patients are the ones who are suffering the most,” said another attendant.
The power crisis has left patients and their families in dire straits, with many expressing deep concern over the hospital’s ability to provide adequate care under such conditions.
“My mother is admitted here, and she needs constant care. But without water and power, it has become incredibly challenging to look after her,” shared a distressed attendant.
Local residents and the families of patients have urged the authorities to address the crises immediately, emphasizing the critical need for a reliable water supply and uninterrupted power in a medical facility. The lack of response from the officials has raised concerns about the management and oversight of the hospital’s operations.
As the water and power crisis continues, the people of Baramulla are left hoping for a prompt resolution to these issues, which have added to the struggles of patients and their families in an already difficult time.
Locals have now appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to urgently address the severe water and power crisis at GMC Baramulla. They emphasize that immediate intervention is necessary to ensure the well-being of patients and staff, who continue to suffer due to the ongoing mismanagement and neglect.