Overcrowding in GMCs, district hospitals irks patients, attendants

Srinagar, May 21: Growing overcrowding inside wards at Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), its associated hospitals and district hospitals has become a major concern for patients and attendants alike, with many calling for stricter regulation of attendants inside hospital wards to ensure a peaceful and patient-friendly environment.
Several patients and attendants said that while doctors and healthcare workers continue to provide medical care under challenging circumstances, the lack of proper monitoring and regulation inside wards—particularly after doctors complete their rounds—often leads to chaos, noise and inconvenience for patients.
According to attendants, several wards witness large gatherings around a single patient, with sometimes 15 to 20 people entering or remaining inside at the same time. They said such overcrowding not only disturbs critically ill patients but also affects hygiene, movement of hospital staff and overall discipline inside the wards.
Adnan Ahmad an attendant from Baramulla, whose relative is admitted in one of the medical wards in SMHS, said the situation becomes extremely uncomfortable during peak hours.
“Patients need rest and calm surroundings, but many times the wards become crowded like public waiting halls. Too many attendants around one patient create unnecessary noise and disturbance for everyone,” he said.
Ishfaq Ahmad another attendant from Anantnag whose patient is admitted at GMC Anantnag said there is a need for a uniform policy across hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in major hospitals and district-level institutions.
“Two or three attendants per patient are more than sufficient. If authorities properly regulate entry into wards, it will help both patients and doctors. Elderly patients and those recovering from surgeries especially suffer due to continuous noise and rush,” she said.
Several attendants also pointed out that overcrowding sometimes blocks passages inside wards, making it difficult for nurses, doctors and emergency staff to move freely during urgent situations.
A patient attendant from Pulwama said that many people accompanying patients enter wards out of concern, but the absence of regulation eventually creates problems for others.
“People also need to understand that hospitals are sensitive places. Everyone wants to stay with their loved ones, but there should be discipline so that all patients can remain comfortable,” he said.
Locals and attendants urged the administration of Government Medical College Srinagar and other government hospitals to introduce stricter visitor management systems, including fixed attendant limits, entry passes and proper monitoring by hospital staff and security personnel.
They said such measures would help maintain hygiene, reduce unnecessary disturbance and create a more peaceful atmosphere for patients undergoing treatment. (KNO)