Patients face discomfort due to dysfunctional fans, ACs at GMC B’la

Srinagar, July 26: Patients and their attendants at Government Medical College Baramulla are enduring significant discomfort due to dysfunctional fans and air conditioners.
With both minimum and maximum temperatures consistently exceeding and the valley seeing record-breaking high temperature it has affected patients at the Medical College.
Aqib Ahmad, an attendant from Baramulla said most of the fans and air conditioners that are installed in the wards are not working properly causing inconveniences to patients.
“Almost all the electrical outlets in the wards and other areas of the hospital have been damaged. Even the patients are unable to charge their mobile phones,” he said.
He said in some wards air conditioners have been installed but these are not working which is giving tough time to the patients amid the excessive heat wave conditions.
Patients said that the heat wave conditions are causing inconvenience, exacerbating the distress of patients already coping with health issues.
The attendant said despite repeated complaints from patients the situation remains unresolved, adding to the frustration and helplessness of those affected.
“GMC Baramulla should take swift action to alleviate the suffering and ensure a more comfortable and conducive environment for both patients and caregivers at the medical facility,” Ahmad said.
The situation has created a challenging environment for both patients and staff, highlighting the urgent need for repairs and improvements to meet the growing demands of the facility.
Ishfaq Ahmad, a patient, said the fans should be repaired on priority so that patients, especially those admitted in wards, do not suffer any more from excessive heat.
“We are suffering. The medical college invests a significant budget in installing these appliances but we fail to understand why they do not maintain and provide comfort to patients,” he said.
Medical Superintendent of GMC Baramulla, Dr. Parvaiz Masoodi, stated that they are prioritizing the resolution of the issue, and the concerned officials are actively working on it, though it may take a few days.
“We are working hard to address the deficiencies. Yes, we are currently unable to meet the expected requirements and there is a problem,” he said.
The largest tertiary care hospital in north Kashmir receives 3,000 patients daily from various areas of Baramulla, Tangmarg, Pattan, Kupwara, Kandi, Handwara, Uri etc. while an average 300-400 patients remain admitted in the IPD.