Srinagar, Dec 24: Patients from across Kashmir, solely dependent on the Government Chest Diseases (CD) Hospital for treatment of their ailments, endure severe hardships due to crumbling infrastructure reminiscent of early 20th-century sanatoriums and a critical shortage of functional medical equipment.
The pathetic condition of CD Hospital, an associated hospital of Government Medical College Srinagar and the sole specialised facility of its kind in Kashmir, is, however, a more urgent one. Known as Drugjan Hospital among locals, it was established in 1850 AD, during British rule, as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients by Christian medical missionaries. The hospital, located in Dalgate and affiliated with the Government Medical College Srinagar, has long been criticised for its antiquated facilities that fail to meet modern healthcare standards. It was built in an era when tuberculosis sanatoriums emphasised isolation and fresh air over technological integration.
The current structure lacks essential accessibility features such as ramps, spacious wards, and adequate outpatient areas. Patients with respiratory issues, many of whom rely on wheelchairs, or are sick and need stretchers, or have other mobility challenges have to be lifted by a group of attendants to move up the steep stairs or navigate uneven pathways.
Adding the proverbial insult to the injury, there is a dire equipment crisis at the hospital. A recent internal communication at GMC Srinagar reveals that nearly all bronchoscopes and specialised scopes in the operating theatre are non-functional. Only two models remain, limiting the scope of procedures currently available. The limited tools are insufficient for the hospital’s caseload, reveals the communiqué. Critically, both Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) scopes, models BF-UC180F, have been lying defunct for nearly two years, causing a complete halt in EBUS procedures that are critical for diagnosing and treating lung conditions like cancer and infections.
In addition, the overcrowded waiting areas, insufficient parking, and crammed wards create an urgent need for a revamp.
J&K Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said a “long-term and sustainable solution” to the deficiencies at this facility was being looked into. The Health Minister said that many options were being explored for addressing “the issue of CD Hospital,” but none had yet been finalised due to constraints at all possible relocation areas.
“We have to ensure that what we decide for this hospital makes it fit to stand the needs of expansion for another century. It must have a possibility for state-of-the-art equipment installation and for other needs of a tertiary-care hospital,” she said. She added that the equipment needs of the institutes were being decided after examining the requisitions and records. “We are ready to augment equipment, wherever there is a need,” she said.
