Srinagar, Dec 26: Kashmir’s largest maternity hospital, Lal Ded, affiliated with Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, has made significant strides in 2024, enhancing maternity services, upgrading infrastructure, and improving patient care.
In a major development, the hospital upgraded its Hysteroscope facility in August, allowing for the detection of uterine abnormalities on an outpatient basis. This upgrade, worth Rs 50 lakh, replaces the previous, deteriorated Hysteroscope equipment.
Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Muzaffar Jan, highlighted the hospital’s commitment to adopting new technologies to provide advanced care to pregnant women. “We are focused on incorporating the latest medical technologies to ensure better healthcare for our patients,” he said.
The Hysteroscopy procedure is vital for diagnosing and treating intrauterine conditions such as abnormal bleeding, polyps, fibroids, and other uterine abnormalities, enhancing patient care at the hospital.
Additionally, 2024 has seen a significant reduction in both Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) at the hospital. Dr. Muzaffar confirmed that the NMR has dropped from 18% in 2022 to just 7% in 2023, well below the national average. The MMR has also decreased, reflecting the hospital’s ongoing efforts to improve maternal and neonatal health.
He said that it has been possible with the commitment of Administrative Secretary Health and Medical Education Department Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah to advance public healthcare.
The 710-bedded facility continues to experience a huge influx of patients, with around 800 women being treated daily in its OPD and casualty ward. It is the main maternity and neonatal care centre for the valley including districts of Banihal, Ramban, Kishtwar etc.
In a bid to improve communication and accessibility, the hospital has installed state-of-the-art digital boards throughout its campus for enhanced patient experience.
“These innovative displays provide information to public, ensuring a seamless and informed experience. The digital boards display details on medical services, departments, facilities, important numbers and extensions for various departments,” he said.
The MS said digital communication has become increasingly important in hospitals because it can improve patient outcomes and the quality of care. The hospital also completed construction of two monumental main gates, fulfilling a pending demand of the people.
On the directions of Secretary Health and Medical Education and Principal GMC Srinagar, additional 32 new CCTV cameras including four Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) have been installed at the hospital. The hospital has also installed PTZ cameras in its parking area for the safety of patients, attendants and the hospital staff as well.
It was earlier this year that the major renovation of the patient Sarai was completed, significantly enhancing the comfort and overall experience of patients and their attendants.
Dr Muzaffar said the hospital was successful in installing a J&K Bank ATM in the hospital premises. It also installed a state-of-the-art electronic digital board which displays all important daily statistics of hospital near the main gate.
He said this year, LD took several initiatives, including beautification and renovation of nurses’ hostel (under process), repairs and renovation of all washrooms, replacement and installation of overhead water tanks, renovation of auditorium hall, and upgrading ground floor corridor tiles to granite.
The hospital has also accomplished other developments including the removal of all dead stock items and write-off material from the premises, making it completely junk-free.
Additionally, a new paid room (Room No. 153) has been established on the ground floor and minor repairs have been carried out across all sections to ensure better functionality.
Earlier this year, a One-Day National Conference on “Revisiting the Basics in Preterm Labour” was organized on November 29, 2024 as part of the training programs.
He said Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar also approved the procurement of 10 CTG machines and beautification of its premises and surroundings under the NCAP initiative.
Earlier, this year following the rape-murder case of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, the tertiary-cum-maternity facility enhanced the safety and security measures for female staff. The hospital had also constituted an internal sexual harassment committee tasked to ensure timely and effective response to conduct enquiry of sexual harassment against any employee of this hospital, if any. Notably, the LD has in place the hospital’s security and violence prevention committee.
As per the MS, they have also designated two rooms for female staff: one adjacent to the casualty area and another as a rest room for female doctors working 24/7 in the labor room.
“Majority of the staff here are females and work from the gate to the theatre, it is important to ensure their safety so that any untoward incident may not happen,” he said.
The largest maternity hospital in the valley has installed signages displaying doctors’ rights in accordance with Supreme Court of India directives.
After the tragic incident, the Centre had directed hospitals to employ an adequate number of well-trained security guards to monitor and patrol the hospital premises effectively.
