GMC Jammu: A hospital with more than One third Broken beds

Jammu: Healthcare is touching a new low ebb in Jammu and Kashmir, with the 360 beds of premier Government Medical College in Jammu region, out of the total 900 being declared unsafe for patients. Besides this the other safety hazard being the total absence of Fouler beds in the hospital, an absolute essential for patients who have undergone surgery and those admitted to the spinal and orthopedics ward.

“Out of more than 900 beds in 15 wards of the GMC, more than 40% of the total beds are damaged and need immediate repairs or replacement,” revealed sources.

None of the damaged beds have been either repaired or replaced in the past 12 years, the source added. Worst still the total absence of fouler(folding) beds in the the Spinal and Orthopedics ward, which is of utmost requirement; for sick patients who have undergone surgery, cannot move, require movement in different postures not only for their recovery but also during the course of treatment. The absence of Fouler or semi-Fouler beds makes recovery almost impossible, stated a senior medical practitioner.

According to him, the cities premier hospital is in a worst condition than district hospitals of the state..

The 15 wards at GMC house approximately, 60 beds each. In addition to these 15 wards for indoor patients (IPD), the hospital also has a recovery ward, an old emergency, as well as a new one; an ICU and a disaster ward. The condition of beds in these wards happens to be slightly better, however, those placed in the 15 for admitted patients, are in a deplorable condition. Beds here are supported by bricks or pieces of wood to be kept stable and maintain level, which again becomes a safety hazard in many a way, says a ward doctor.

The Medical Superintendent of the hospital when contacted confirmed the deplorable state of affairs. , “We are on the job and very soon figures will be collected and process will be initiated to set things right,” he added.