Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Jan 10: For the past three months, District Hospital Bandipora has been operating without an ophthalmologist, amplifying challenges for patients and worsening the existing turmoil in the healthcare system of Bandipora.
Sources said that despite multiple news reports highlighting the issue, DHSK has issued three consecutive orders within the last three months, assigning the responsibility of Ophthalmologist to various doctors.
The latest directive, dated 12/12/2023, designates Dr. Sabhia Jan, a Medical Officer (MS Optho.), to render services at DH Bandipora three days a week, with the remaining days allocated to DH Ganderbal. However, none of the appointed doctors has complied with orders, displaying reluctance in joining their designated posts.
In the absence of a dedicated ophthalmologist, locals are grappling with immense difficulties, with patients compelled to travel to Srinagar for even minor ophthalmology issues.
Sources further said that an employee from the Hospital Development Fund (HDF) is currently managing the affairs of the ophthalmologist at DH Bandipora, blatantly violating established rules and even prescribing medications.
Locals have appealed to Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ul Rehman, who recently visited DH Bandipora to resolve the issue.
Locals said that hopes are high that the hospital, marred by mismanagement headlines, will witness significant improvements under the new leadership
They appealed for urgent intervention from the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) and the Deputy Commissioner to address the dire healthcare situation by urging them to swiftly intervene.
They have requested to rectify the situation by appointing a professional ophthalmologist at DH Bandipora, thereby alleviating the healthcare predicament faced by patients.
