Tenders floated for GMC Baramulla ventilators, but no takers: Govt

Srinagar, Sep 24: The Health and Medical Education Department on Thursday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that no agency participated in the tender process for procurement and servicing of ventilators at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla despite repeated extensions.
The issue was raised by Baramulla MLA Javid Hassan Baig through a Calling Attention Motion, highlighting the non-functionality of ventilators at the institution and seeking immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted critical care services.
Responding to the concern, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo said tenders had been floated for the required work, but no agency came forward even after the tender period was extended multiple times.
She said the ventilators could be procured or serviced only through a certified agency and added that the department was taking remedial measures to resolve the issue.
The minister also informed the House that MRI and Cath Lab facilities at GMC Baramulla were already under process and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening patient care.
“We won’t let people suffer,” she said, while acknowledging existing gaps in the healthcare system and assuring that efforts were underway to address them.
Baig, however, argued that life-saving equipment such as ventilators should not remain dependent on repairs and called for adequate standby arrangements.
“Failure needs no explanation. Drugs and life-saving machines need not be compromised,” he said, stressing that GMC Baramulla serves a large population across north Kashmir.
The MLA urged the government to maintain backup ventilators to ensure uninterrupted critical care services, saying preparedness at the tertiary care hospital must be strengthened in the interest of patient safety. (KNO)