Arjumand Shah
Srinagar, Nov 16: With mercury continuing to dip across Kashmir, authorities have decided to switch on heating systems in all hospitals by November 24 to provide relief to patients and their attendants.
The cold has made hospital wards uncomfortable, leaving patients susceptible to cold-related illnesses. Many are urging immediate action to address the situation.
Mushtaq Ahmad, another attendant, shared a grim account of his father’s struggle with the cold despite being wrapped in several blankets. “We had to arrange hot water bottles from the canteen. The cold is worsening his condition,” he said.
Mohammad Sidiq, whose mother is admitted at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, voiced his concerns. “It’s urgent to activate the heating systems now. Patients are suffering,” he said.
The situation is particularly concerning for newborns at the children’s hospital in Srinagar. An official highlighted that babies are especially vulnerable to cold-related ailments and emphasized the importance of heating to safeguard their health.
Similar frustration was expressed by Javeed Ahmad, an attendant at district hospital Anantnag.
“The heating system isn’t operational, and my patient has already caught a cold. This could have been avoided,” he said.
Doctors have also warned about the adverse effects of cold on recovery. “Low temperatures can slow down recovery and even worsen a patient’s condition. Adequate heating in hospitals is crucial, particularly during the night,” a doctor explained.
In response to these growing concerns, a senior Health Department official confirmed that heating systems in most of the hospitals will be operational by November 24.
“A trial run will be conducted shortly to ensure the systems are functioning properly, after which they will run fully,” the official stated.
