GMC docs strike diverts patient rush to SKIMS hospitals

Srinagar, July 6: With the resident doctors of Government Medical College (GMC) and its associated hospitals on protest strike for four consecutive days, there has been a sudden increase in the rush of patients to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura and JVC Hospital, Bemina. The strike was given by Resident Doctors Association on Tuesday to press for their demands. The emergency services are also halted in GMC and the associated hospitals, resulting in sudden increase in the rush of patients at both SK Institute Soura and its associated hospital in Bemina. “I am not having the proper figures, but there is a three-fold increase in rush of patients in Emergency, and two-fold increase in Out Patient Department (OPD),” Medical Superintendent SKIMS, Dr Farooq Jan said. “The departments like Gynaecology, General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics, and Neonatology are witnessing huge rush. We had to augment some extra staff to address the rush of patients. It is been difficult, but we are managing it,” he said. A similar situation is in SKIMS Bemina as well. “With more than hundreds of admissions daily in the 250 bedded hospital, the capacity as per the directions of the Principal has been enhanced by 40 more beds by accommodating the same in corridors of the hospital, and ensure treatment to patients coming from other hospital affected by the strike,” Medical Superintendent SKIMS Bemina, Dr Riyaz Untoo said. The dedication and commitment shown by the doctors, paramedical and other staff in Bemina was highly appreciated by the attendants and relatives of patients admitted there. The doctors continued to attend OPDs beyond 5.00 PM till the last registered patient was seen.