Anantnag May 06 (KNO): The Operation Theatre (OT) at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Dooru in the Shahabad area of south Kashmir's Anantnag has remained non-functional for the past one week, sparking serious concern among residents and raising fears of a looming healthcare crisis in the region.
The disruption in surgical services comes in the wake of the superannuation of at least four hospital employees last month, including a crucial anaesthesia technician, leaving the facility without adequate technical staff to run the OT.
Residents told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the closure has severely impacted patient care, particularly emergency and maternity services, forcing people from far-flung areas to seek treatment elsewhere under challenging circumstances.
“We are the worst sufferers. Patients from dozens of villages used to rely on SDH Dooru for emergency procedures. Now, they are being referred without any option,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident. “In emergencies, every minute counts, but now people are left helpless.”
The absence of surgical services has especially heightened risks for pregnant women requiring urgent procedures such as Lower Segment Caesarean Sections (LSCS).
Locals said that expecting mothers are being referred in advance to Maternity and Child Care (MCH) Hospital Anantnag, adding to the burden on an already overstretched facility.
“A pregnant woman in labour cannot afford long travel. Shifting them to Anantnag is risky and stressful. We fear a tragedy if the situation continues,” said Shameema Begum from Dooru. “The government must act immediately.”
Residents pointed out that the referral of patients to Anantnag is increasing congestion at the MCH hospital, which is already grappling with space constraints and heavy patient inflow.
“This is not just about Dooru; it is affecting the entire healthcare chain in the district,” said another local, Javaid Ahmad. “When one hospital stops functioning properly, the pressure shifts elsewhere, and the whole system suffers.”
An official from the Health Department acknowledged the issue, stating that the Operation Threate has remained closed since May 1 due to a shortage of technical staff following retirements.
“Yes, the operation theatre is currently non-functional due to staff shortage, particularly after the superannuation of key personnel,” the official said. “However, efforts are underway to address the gaps, and we are trying to make the OT functional at the earliest.”
Locals have appealed to Health Minister Sakeena Itoo to intervene urgently by filling vacant posts and ensuring that the hospital is equipped with the necessary manpower and infrastructure—(KNO)