Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jul 1: As Jammu and Kashmir celebrates National Doctors’ Day, medical professionals across the region used the occasion to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to patient care while highlighting ongoing systemic issues, particularly staff shortages and inadequate infrastructure.
Many doctors candidly shared their experiences about the dire circumstances under which they work. They said that their voices are filled with both pride and frustration, which paints a sobering picture of a healthcare system that continues to demand much from its workforce.
Recalling the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors described overwhelmed hospitals, oxygen shortages, and working under extreme pressure with limited protective gear.
“During the COVID-19 peak, we were the only line of defence. We worked 18 to 20 hours a day, often in suffocating PPE suits, away from our families. We lost colleagues, and yet we continued. That period will remain etched in our memory forever,” said Dr Iqbal Ahmad, a physician at SMHS Srinagar.
Dr Sameena Bano, who served on the frontline during the pandemic, reflected on its psychological toll: “Apart from the fear of infection, there was constant emotional exhaustion. We witnessed helpless deaths and had to break the heartbreaking news to families.”
Several doctors expressed disappointment over being frequently blamed for medical negligence in cases that are often outcomes of systemic shortcomings.
“Whenever there’s an adverse outcome, fingers are pointed at the treating doctor, but rarely do we consider the systemic issues—lack of life-saving drugs, absence of ICU beds, or patients being brought in late. We need fairness in such assessments,” said a doctor from a sub-district hospital in south Kashmir.
“The morale of doctors drops when we’re blamed for factors beyond our control. What about outdated infrastructure and machines? Understaffed hospitals?”
Doctors said that despite their best efforts, limitations in manpower and outdated facilities severely hinder their ability to provide timely, quality care, especially in rural and remote areas.
“In my hospital, there’s only one doctor available during night emergencies. How can one person handle critical cases, deliveries, and emergencies simultaneously?” asked Dr Mudasir Wani, posted at a PHC in Kulgam. “This isn’t negligence; it’s human limitation.”
The medical fraternity called for urgent government intervention: “Our healthcare workforce is competent and capable of delivering world-class care. But we’re stretched thin. We urge the government to expedite recruitment and upgrade existing facilities with modern equipment,” urged Dr Wani.
Doctors’ Day should be viewed as a day of accountability, not just ceremonial praise, they said. “Doctors’ Day should be about reflecting on the state of our healthcare system and taking concrete steps to support those who serve it,” said Dr Aaliya Jan, a paediatrician in Srinagar.
Despite the challenges, hope remains. Medical professionals believe that with adequate support, Jammu and Kashmir’s health system can be transformed into a model for other regions.
“We don’t want just appreciation; we want change,” said a group of junior doctors at GMC Anantnag. “Enhance manpower, upgrade facilities—then we will deliver.” (KNO)
