Shortage of doctors affects patient care in Kashmir

Kulgam (J and K), May 6 (ANI): Despite several health care reforms, patients in Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer due to an acute shortage of doctors and paramedical staff at hospitals.

Hospitals in the state's Kulgam District, which is around 65 kilometres from Srinagar, often fail to provide proper health care facilities to patients.

The patients and their relatives, especially those hailing from the far-flung areas of the district, have expressed dismay over the non-availability of experienced doctors.

"There is shortage of doctors; if there are enough doctors then we will not face any problem. People from rural areas come to the hospital and there is no transport facility available. I want to request that the number of doctors should be increased in this hospital," said Farooq Ahmad, the relative of a patient.

Meanwhile, a legislator said on Saturday that the posts of doctors remained vacant in Kulgam, as they preferred to work in Srinagar.

"We are again and again trying to increase the number of doctors in the hospital. The whole state is suffering from this problem of shortage of doctors. It is unfortunate that whenever the doctors get joining orders they prefer Srinagar. Therefore, it is also one of the problems," said the legislator Yousuf Tarigami.

The patients urged the district administration to take adequate steps to increase the number of professional doctors at the hospitals.

The district administration has confirmed that they are making all possible efforts to tackle the shortage of medical staff in remote and far-flung areas. (ANI)