Srinagar, Apr 24: Patients reaching the JLNM hospital at Rainawari in heart of the old  city are facing immense hardships due to shortage of doctors and surgical items.
 Sources told Greater Kashmir that at least 1200 patients visit JLNM everyday and there are only 15 consultants, 18 assistant surgeons, and 12 junior doctors in the hospital. “They are unable to cater to the huge rush,” sources added.
 The State Health Department, they said, has provided some specialist doctors including cardiologists, endocrinologists and gastroenterologists to the hospital however, due to lack of surgical and diagnostic equipments they are unable to deliver properly. “This further aggravates the problem,” sources said.
 They said the hospital immediately requires ECHO, CT scan and Digital X-ray machine, and other surgical equipments to run the specialty units smoothly.
 “The hospital is no less than a slaughter house”, alleged a patient in the post surgical ward. “They slit you, stitch you, and then leave you on the mercy of your attendants.”
 Sources alleged only one Assistant Surgeon remains available in the hospital after 4pm. Patients at the OPD waiting room said the ticket counter of the hospital closes after 1pm. “We often return without consultation or treatment in the afternoon,” said a patient. 
 “My daughter was operated for ovarian carcinoma. Soon after the surgery, her health began to deteriorate. But when we searched for the doctor, he had left,” said Hajira Begum.
 The surgeon, who returned to the hospital after 2 hours, couldn't help her. She was then   referred to SKIMS.
 Despite being a government hospital, the OPD at JLNM has become much like a private clinic where you have a specific time fixed for the appointments. “Had I not sent my brother early morning, who lives in the vicinity, to get the token number, I would not have been able to see the doctor even today,” said Ayesha.
 “Two days ago I came at 4pm but the doctor had left,” interrupted another patient. “Then yesterday, I came two hours earlier, at around 2 pm, but the peon refused to give any token.”
 “Doctors in the Out Patients Department pack up their bags even before 2pm. Some leave for their homes, while others gear up for another round at their private clinics,” patients said.
 When contacted, the Medical Superintendent of the JLNM, Dr Ghulam Muhammad Shaksaz confirmed the staff shortage and equipment shortage in the hospital. “We have already written to the higher ups about our requirement. Hopefully, we get the required staff and equipments soon,” he said.
 However, he denied the allegation about non-availability of doctors in the evening hours. “I will try to look into the matter,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST