Dr. Rizwan Rumi.
Kulgam, Jan 20: The residents of Kulgam district have made an earnest appeal to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, to establish a dedicated maternity and child care hospital at District Headquarters, Kulgam. This much-needed facility would serve not only the residents of Kulgam but also the adjoining districts of Shopian and parts of Anantnag, providing much-needed relief to patients and easing their hardships.
The absence of a specialized maternity and child care hospital in the district forces patients to travel long distances to Srinagar or Anantnag, which is a significant challenge, particularly for high-risk pregnancies. The people from remote and snowbound areas such as D.H. Pora, Manzgam, Aharbal and Noorabad bear the brunt of these difficulties. A dedicated hospital in Kulgam would ensure better healthcare services and significantly reduce the referral rates to facilities in Srinagar and beyond.
During a recent interaction, members of civil society and medical practitioners in Kulgam emphasized the urgent need for this hospital. A local doctor shared that the travel from Kulgam to Srinagar is not only arduous but also hazardous for expecting mothers, especially in adverse weather conditions. “Ambulances often get stuck in traffic jams, and the financial burden of travel and treatment in other districts is unbearable for many families,” he added.
The residents also pointed out that abundant government land is available at District Headquarters, Kulgam, which could be utilized for establishing this hospital. This would allow the government to address a long-pending and genuine demand of the people.
Civil society groups have highlighted that such a facility would not only serve the population of Kulgam but also cater to the healthcare needs of neighboring districts, including Shopian and parts of Pulwama and Anantnag. It would particularly benefit the rural population, who often struggle to access quality maternity care.
The people of Kulgam have expressed hope that LG Manoj Sinha Ji will take immediate steps to address this pressing issue. They urge the administration to prioritize the establishment of this hospital, ensuring access to quality maternal and child healthcare in the region. Such an initiative would not only save lives but also reflect the government’s commitment to equitable and accessible healthcare for all.
This long-pending demand, if fulfilled, would be a significant milestone in addressing healthcare gaps in South Kashmir.
