Hospitals in Gund and Kangan struggle to provide emergency services due to poorly maintained ambulances

GANDERBAL: A crisis is looming at hospitals situated on the notorious Srinagar-Leh highway in Kashmir Valley, where a surge in major accidents has recently occurred, putting immense pressure on the emergency services.
The hospitals in Block Gund and Kangan in Ganderbal district rely on ambulances from 2009 and 2007, which are a mainstay of their emergency response fleet. These ambulances face an uncertain future due to outdated documentation.
Officials have revealed that the ambulances deployed in these hospitals are outdated, lack valid documents, and are in a deplorable state of disrepair. This shocking discovery assumes greater significance in the wake of recent major accidents reported in the area, raising concerns about the safety and preparedness of these hospitals in handling emergency situations.
Many ambulances are in very poor condition, with some reportedly being used for years without proper maintenance or upgrades. This not only puts patients’ lives at risk but also compromises the ability of medical staff to provide timely and effective emergency care.
Unless urgent action is taken, many of these ambulances will be decommissioned in the next few days or months, crippling the hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies with the same level of efficiency. This has sparked widespread concern among hospital staff, local residents, and commuters who rely on this critical service.
The situation is particularly alarming given the strategic location of these hospitals on the Srinagar-Leh highway, which witnesses a high volume of traffic and is prone to accidents. In recent times, there have been reports of major accidents on this highway, resulting in multiple casualties. The availability of reliable and well-maintained ambulances is crucial in such situations to ensure that patients receive prompt and proper medical attention, said Zaniul Abdin Raina, a social worker.
Residents of Gund and Kangan have urged authorities to take immediate action to address this issue, including replacing the outdated ambulances with new ones and providing regular maintenance. The well-being of patients depends on it, and any further delay or negligence can have devastating consequences.

Sheikh Anees