Srinagar, Aug 19: In a concerning incident, the roof of the stairwell leading to the operation theatre and post-operative ward of Associated GMC Hospital Handwara collapsed on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the medical facility. Remarkably, no injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred around 5:00 PM.
Eyewitnesses recounted the dramatic scene, highlighting the potential catastrophe that could have unfolded had the collapse occurred during busier hours. They stressed that the timing of the incident, while fortunate, underscores the pressing need for immediate action to address the aging infrastructure of the hospital.
Patients within the hospital expressed alarm as panic gripped the building following the sudden collapse. Naseer Ahmad, a patient present during the incident, expressed his relief at having escaped unharmed. Ahmad underscored the urgency of moving to the nearly completed new hospital building, citing the incident as a poignant reminder of the risks posed by the current structure.
Dr. Nisar Wani, the Medical Superintendent of Associated Hospital GMC Handwara, confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude that no individuals were harmed. Assuring that hospital operations remained unaffected, Dr. Wani affirmed that repairs were underway to rectify the damage caused by the collapse.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the crucial importance of investing in robust infrastructure and safety measures within medical facilities. Calls are growing for hospital administrators and relevant authorities to expedite the transition to the new building, mitigating the potential for future crises of this nature.
