Srinagar, Jan 08: In a bid to combat the severe challenges faced by pregnant women during Kashmir’s unforgiving winters, District Hospital Bandipora has initiated a project to construct 25 rooms exclusively for expectant mothers of District’s remote hamlets to ensure safe deliveries and eliminate the risks posed by inaccessibility during snowfall.
During the harsh winter months, heavy snowfall often blocks roads, leaving pregnant women in remote hamlets stranded without access to proper medical care. The lack of connectivity has led to instances of infant deaths and fatal complications for mothers. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, DH Bandipora, under the leadership of Medical Superintendent DH Bandipora, has initiated steps to ensure timely care for these women.
Medical Superintendent District Hospital Bandipora, Dr Masarat Iqbal Wani told Rising Kashmir that the development will ensure safe and accessible delivery services for expectant mothers from areas such as Gurez Valley, Chuntimulla, Kudara, Sirander, Chandaji, Athwatoo, and Ketson, who often encounter difficulties reaching medical facilities due to heavy snowfall.
Dr Wani said that in collaboration with Block Medical Officers and the Chief Medical Officer, they compile a list of pregnant women nearing their delivery dates during the snowfall season in advance.
These women are brought to the hospital in advance to ensure they receive timely care,” Wani said adding that recently, two expectant mothers were accommodated during the snowfall and provided with necessary medical attention.
Dr Wani also said that to further strengthen this initiative, DH Bandipora is constructing 25 rooms to accommodate pregnant women and their attendants. The project has received approval from the Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department is preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR), he said.
Wani said that these birth wards will provide a permanent solution for expectant mothers who face immense hardships during winters. “Our aim is to ensure no life is lost due to a lack of access to healthcare facilities.”
Gurez, a border valley of Bandipora district, has long struggled with inadequate gynecological healthcare. The absence of a full-time gynecologist forced pregnant women with complications to travel to Bandipora or Srinagar, a challenging task, especially during winters when heavy snow blocks roads.
Although the Health Department introduced rotational gynecologist postings last year, the lack of advanced healthcare facilities continues to pose risks for expectant mothers. The initiative by DH Bandipora is expected to bridge the gap and ensure timely medical support for women in this vulnerable area.
