Budgam, Dec 06: Residents from various villages in the Beerwah Tehsil have urged the government to establish Laparoscopy facilities at the Sub-Hospital Beerwah, as the facility currently relies on open surgeries due to the absence of this modern surgical option.
Zakir Ahmad, a patient, told Rising Kashmir that the Sub-Hospital Beerwah is one of the key healthcare institutions in the Kashmir Valley, yet it continues to perform open surgeries.
“In the absence of Laparoscopy facilities, patients are compelled to seek treatment at other government and private hospitals where laparoscopic surgeries are available,” he said.
Ahmad further said that the government has equipped many hospitals in the Kashmir valley with Laparoscopic facilities, providing significant benefits and relief to patients. However, such facilities have not yet been made available at SDH Beerwah.
“The Government must take the necessary measures to ensure that this facility is made available in the hospital, which will subsequently enhance patient care in the hospital”, he added.
Fahmida Bano, another patient said that SDH Beerwah conducts over 20 surgeries weekly. The open surgery process is time-consuming, leading to long waiting periods for patients until their scheduled surgery dates.
“There are more than 79 villages in the Beerwah tehsil that rely entirely on this hospital. Additionally, patients from neighboring tehsils, including Khag, Magam, and Khansahib, also seek treatment here, resulting in an increased patient flow,” she explained.
Fahmida said that Laparoscopic surgery offers numerous advantages, including quicker recovery times for patients. They are able to spend less time in the hospital and experience reduced pain following the procedure.
“Laparoscopic surgery presents a more cost-effective option compared to traditional surgical methods, primarily due to reduced hospital stays and fewer necessary follow-up appointments. The introduction of laparoscopic procedures will not only enhance the surgical offerings at the hospital but also increase the overall surgical volume. This advancement will provide significant benefits and relief to both patients and medical professionals, ” she said.
Patients requested the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure the availability of laparoscopic facilities at the hospital.
Dr Ayoub Fateh Khan, Chief Medical Officer of Budgam, indicated that plans are underway to incorporate laparoscopic equipment into the upcoming financial year plans through which SDH Beerwah can receive this facility into the hospital.
