Kulgam, 24 May: The lack of a sheltered ticket counter at the district hospital in Kulgam left attendants and patients drenched in rain on Wednesday. The unfortunate incident presents a dismal sight and highlights the hospital’s lackluster progress.
Adding to the woes, the hospital’s CT scan machine has been non-operational for the past three weeks, compelling the patients to seek alternative options at private laboratories.
These challenges highlight the pressing need for improved infrastructure and equipment maintenance in the local healthcare system.
An attendant informed Rising Kashmir that waiting in the queue is really uncomfortable when it is raining. “The ticket counter shed not only protects patients and visitors from rain, but it is also preferable in hot weather,” he said.
The attendants said the hospital often sees a large influx of patients, so better healthcare facilities are needed at the hospital. They said the people were desperately waiting for their turn at the ticket counter on Wednesday amid showers.
The attendants have petitioned the higher authorities to construct an appropriate shelter outside the ticket counter, besides the immediate repair of the defunct CT scan machine.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kulgam, Dr. Rafiq Ahmed Dhobi, told Rising that the complaints will be addressed as soon as possible. “The issue of ticket counter sheds and the defunct CT scan facility will be resolved soon,” he said.
The official, however, did not provide a specific timeline or address the matter of a single USG facility for accommodating a substantial influx of patients.
