Kashmir Hospitals to start heating systems within a week

Srinagar, Nov 11: As temperatures continue to drop across Kashmir, healthcare authorities are preparing to activate heating systems in hospitals within the next week to alleviate discomfort among patients and their attendants.
The cold weather has been particularly harsh in hospital wards, leaving patients vulnerable to the chill and suffering from cold-related illnesses.

Mohammad Shafi, whose mother is currently admitted at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, expressed deep concern about the absence of proper heating. “It’s crucial that heating arrangements are activated immediately,” he said.
Shafi’s frustration is shared by many others who have been forced to endure the cold while receiving medical care.
Farooq Ahmad, an attendant at the Super Specialty Hospital, also highlighted the issue. “The heating system has not been turned on, and my patient has caught a cold. This could have been avoided if the heating was functioning,” he said.
Ahmad claimed that the lack of warmth in hospitals is not only uncomfortable but is also exacerbating health conditions, particularly for those already battling illnesses.
Mushtaq Ahmad, another attendant, described how his father, suffering from fever, couldn’t escape the cold of the hospital even after being wrapped in multiple blankets. “We had to arrange hot water bottles from the canteen to keep him warm. The cold is affecting patients’ health, and it’s becoming unbearable,” he said.
The situation is equally concerning for newborns at the children’s hospital in Srinagar, where an official reported that babies are particularly vulnerable to cold-related diseases. The official said the importance of having heating systems running to ensure the safety and comfort of the youngest patients.
Doctors have also raised alarms about the impact of the cold on patient recovery. “Low temperatures slow down the recovery process and, in some cases, worsen the patient’s condition. It is vital that hospitals are properly heated, especially during the night,” one doctor explained.
In response to growing concerns, a senior official from the Health Department confirmed that heating systems across hospitals in Srinagar are scheduled to begin operation by November 20. “A trial run will begin soon, which will help bring the hospital’s temperature up to a comfortable level for patients. Afterward, the systems will run fully,” the official said, adding that hospital authorities have been empowered to activate the systems as needed.
A senior official of GMC Srinagar said that contingency measures have been put in place, given the unpredictable nature of Kashmir’s weather, to ensure that any emergency situations are adequately addressed.