Dialysis unit at Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital Poonch defunct for two Days; Patients left in despair
Patients Forced to Seek Private Treatment as Authorities Turn a Blind Eye to Growing Crisis.
jj correspondent
Poonch, Mar 18: Who is responsible for the plight and the well-being of patients who are dependent on dialysis in Poonch? In the unfortunate event of any loss of life due to the unavailability of dialysis services at Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital, who will be held accountable? These are not just questions, but urgent concerns that demand immediate answers.
Why has the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Poonch chosen to remain silent on such a critical issue? Is the CMO’s inaction a result of a “wait and watch” policy, indifferent to the potential loss of innocent lives? The people of Poonch are left to wonder whether the CMO, entrusted with such a crucial role, is so disconnected from the severity of the issue that they are indifferent to the suffering of dialysis patients.
Who will take responsibility for the welfare and well-being of the patients in Poonch who rely on dialysis? In the unfortunate event of any loss of life due to the unavailability of dialysis services at Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital, who will be held accountable for this grave neglect? These are not just questions, but pressing concerns that demand immediate and transparent answers.
Equally troubling is the Superintendent of Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital, who seems to be in a state of deep slumber, showing a casual and unconcerned attitude toward this life-and-death matter. For the past few days, dialysis services have been unavailable, yet there is no visible action being taken to resolve the situation. What has the Superintendent been doing in the last two days while the dialysis machine was out of order? Why hasn’t this been addressed with the urgency it deserves?
Even more alarmingly, questions arise about the cause behind the dialysis machine malfunction. Who is responsible for rendering the machine inoperative? Is there a deeper conspiracy at play within the hospital, hindering the provision of essential healthcare services? Moreover, the said machine was out of order earlier too and why it has not been repaired properly to get its better utility.
These are not just questions, but concerns that are weighing heavily on the minds of the people. The Health Department must answer them and take immediate corrective action. The lives of countless individuals are at stake, and the public deserves transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, action. The people of Poonch demand justice and urgent intervention to ensure that no more lives are put at risk due to negligence or mismanagement in the healthcare system.
Patients forced to seek private treatment as authorities turn a blind eye to growing crisis: In a disturbing turn of events, the dialysis unit at Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital Poonch has been non-functional for the past two days, throwing the lives of countless kidney patients into chaos. With no alternative arrangements provided, patients have been left with no option but to seek treatment at costly private clinics, placing an enormous financial burden on families. Despite repeated requests for action, the authorities have failed to address the issue, leaving people in a state of helplessness.
This is not the first time the dialysis unit has broken down. Patients have repeatedly reported that the unit has been out of service three to four times each year, causing consistent suffering for those dependent on regular dialysis. One concerned attendant shared, “Every few months, we face the same crisis. The machine breaks down, and we are forced to spend thousands at private clinics to save our loved ones.”
Hospital administration’s negligence sparks outrage: Patients and their families are growing increasingly frustrated, accusing the hospital administration of negligence and indifference. “We are struggling, and no one seems to care. Many patients cannot afford private treatment, yet there has been no response from the authorities,” said a family member of a dialysis patient. The lack of urgency in resolving the issue has led to widespread discontent among the community, with many questioning the commitment of the health department to the well-being of its citizens.
Adding to the confusion and anger, Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, Mr. Vikas Kundal, has visited the hospital several times, only to report that everything is functioning smoothly. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. “The DC has visited multiple times and declared everything to be in order, yet the dialysis unit remains shut. Who is responsible for this suffering?” questioned one patient, highlighting the growing disillusionment with the authorities.
When contacted for an update, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Poonch initially claimed that the issue had been resolved. However, multiple sources later confirmed that the unit remained non-functional, leading to further confusion and skepticism about the seriousness with which the administration is handling the crisis. This contradiction has only fueled doubts among the public about the health department’s true commitment to resolving the issue.
Patients travel long distances, only to face disappointment: To make matters worse, many of the affected patients are forced to travel long distances-up to 50-60 km-from rural areas to access treatment at the district hospital. However, upon arrival, they are met with the grim reality that the dialysis machine is out of order, leaving them with no choice but to seek treatment at private clinics. “We come from far-off villages with the hope of getting dialysis here, but every time the machine is out of order, we are left with no choice but to go to private centers,” said one frustrated patient from a remote area, emphasizing the emotional and financial toll this situation is taking.
The big question; Will Action Be Taken?: As the crisis continues, the big question remains: Will Health Minister Madam Sakina Itoo and MLA Poonch take decisive action to address the repeated breakdowns at the dialysis unit? Will the nexus of indifference and negligence within the hospital system be broken, and will the suffering patients finally get the relief they deserve?
The lack of accountability and transparency has led to widespread public outcry, and the people of Poonch are demanding swift and meaningful intervention. The Health Department must take immediate steps to restore dialysis services and prevent future breakdowns. With the lives of vulnerable patients at stake, the authorities must act now to ensure that the residents of Poonch are not pushed further into financial distress and despair due to administrative failure.
The suffering of these patients cannot be ignored any longer. The time for action is now.
