Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 23: The shortage of Gynaecologists at GB Pant hospital is hampering functioning of its Gynae unit forcing the locals to go to private Nursing Homes who charge huge amounts.
At present there are only 2-3 gynaecologists available at the hospital who see nearly 40-50 patients thrice a week. The gynaecology unit was established to cater to the areas from Awantipora to Dalgate but for last three years patient inflow has diminished owing to lack of doctors.
Locals alleged that the gynaecologic unit which was allocated to share the load of overburdened Lal Ded Maternity Hospital has been shut down due to political interference and abysmal administration.
“There are no gynaecologists there and when we tried to seek the reasons of its closure, we were told to get out and shout on the roads. The authorities are callous and usually give deaf ear to our grievances.
Medical Superintendent of the GB Pant Hospital, Dr Shafkat Khan, when contacted said they have not closed the Gynaecology unit nor will let anyone to close it. “It is a part of overall childcare. Our doctors are examining the patients regularly. I agree that we don’t have enough experts at our disposal but we have already written to the higher ups about it and we hope things will be sorted out soon,” he said.
In 2012 the then Chief Minister ordered its closure but after devastating floods that hit the valley in 2014 it was again reopened.
An official agreed that political interference has put the functioning of this unit into limbo which is jeopardising the whole child health care.
“We are now in a delusional state where in the functioning of this unit has been resumed but the required doctors have not been granted to us. So it is in a way for the namesake here,” said a health official.
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