Srinagar, June 18: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, on Thursday launched a free bus service for patients and their attendants to improve access to healthcare facilities.
The service was formally flagged off from Dalgate to Sempora by Medical Superintendent KMCH, Dr. Syed Mubashir, in the presence of hospital officials and staff.
According to the hospital administration, the initiative was introduced following repeated public requests highlighting transportation difficulties faced by patients and attendants while travelling to the hospital.
Managing Director KMCH, Tausif Ahmad, said the decision was taken after carefully assessing public feedback regarding the need for a dedicated transport facility.
“We received several suggestions from people who faced difficulties reaching the hospital. To make healthcare more accessible and convenient, we decided to introduce a free transport service for patients and their attendants,” he said.
In the initial phase, the service will operate on the Dalgate–Sempora and Pampore–Sempora routes, with buses running daily from 10 a.m. onwards.
The facility is expected to particularly benefit elderly patients, individuals with mobility challenges and attendants accompanying patients for treatment and consultations.
Highlighting the hospital’s commitment to affordable healthcare, Tausif Ahmad noted that KMCH charges only Rs 50 as OPD consultation fee and that the free transport service is another step towards reducing the financial burden on patients.
“Transportation is an important aspect of healthcare accessibility. This initiative will help patients save time, reduce travel-related stress and ensure timely access to medical services,” he said.
He added that the hospital has received an encouraging response from the public and is considering expanding the service to additional areas across the Valley in the future.
“This is part of our broader vision of providing patient-friendly healthcare services and ensuring that no one is deprived of medical care due to transportation constraints,” he said.
KMCH Sempora stated that the initiative reflects its ongoing efforts to make quality and advanced healthcare services more accessible and affordable for people across Jammu and Kashmir.
Comments are closed.