Faizan Qureshi
Kupwara, Jan 24: Patients at the DNB-accredited Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara are facing challenges due to a shortage of doctors and paramedical staff.
With over 1000 OPD patients seeking medical attention daily, the staff shortage, particularly in key departments like ENT and Dermatology, is impacting patient care, due to which people suffer.
Local patients told Rising Kashmir that hospital lacks essential medical positions such as dermatology and ENT in SDH Kupwara.
“This shortage forces many patients, especially those from upper reaches and remote areas, to travel to different districts for treatments, incurring financial burdens.
The vacant position for consultant orthopaedician also remains unresolved,” they said.
Rayees Masoodi, local resident, appealed LG administration to investigate and expedite the resolution, emphasizing the critical need for these medical posts.
Sources also reveal that only one radiologist handles both CT scan and USG, resulting in prolonged waiting times for patients.
Another local, Shahid Peer, said that emergency patients from nearby hospital are also shifted to SDH Kupwara so, concerned officials should promptly address the staff shortage.
Medical Superintendent SDH Kupwara, Mir Mohammad Shafi told Rising Kashmir that efforts are underway to provide optimal facilities at the hospital.
“We have taken up the matter to higher authorities, and we are hopeful that the matter will be resolved soon,” he said.
