Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, June 21: Special New-born Care Unit (SNCU) at Baramulla District Hospital in North Kashmir is facing acute shortage of staff even as the number of patients seeking assistance is increasing.
According to insiders, the SNCU unit has only two medical officers and one pediatrician who are overburdened. Under the National Health Mission Programme, each district hospital should have four medical officers and two pediatricians in SNCU.
An official told Excelsior that special unit lacks staff despite all availability of necessary equipments and resources. “There used to be four medical officers in this unit. But one lady doctor was transferred and other went for fellowship in Chandigarh. We cannot handle the patients. Therefore, we have to refer them to other hospitals,” he added.
The SNCU in Baramulla Hospital is located at prime location and patients from far-off areas like Kupwara, Sopore, Zainageer, Uri, Tangmarg, Trikanjan, Boniyar, Chandoosa, Rafiabad etc visiting the same for treatment. The attendants complained that the free medicine that hospital authorities are bound to give to the patients are not being given and they have to buy ‘each and everything’ including syringes from outside market.
Shakeel Ahmad, father of a baby suffering from jaundice, rued staff shortage and said that they faced lots of difficulties in the hospital. “People come here with high hopes but we are not even provided with free syringes. Also, the free medicines are not being given to us which increases our difficulties as we have to buy from outside,” he said, adding “the USGs are not performed during night hours.”
Sources said that the concerned authorities despite knowing the fact that staff shortage is affecting patient care in vital pediatric unit are unmoved and are paying no attention towards the matter. “This is such a sensitive unit but the attitude of authorities is disappointing. They are watching like mute spectators,” they said.
Director National Health Mission Jammu and Kashmir, Mohan Singh when contacted said he has also received adverse reports about the unit and subsequently written to the concerned authorities. “I too received complaints about the unit and I have written to the Chief Medical Officer for details. Once the required details reach my office action will be taken,” he said.
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