Kashmir Valley Healthcare Services Undermine, 23,782 Patients Attend Outpatient Services Amidst Heavy Snowfall

Srinagar, Jan 28: Despite the severe snowfall that paralyzed the entire Kashmir Valley on Saturday, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) remained committed to providing uninterrupted healthcare services to patients. The division's healthcare institutions continued their operations, with over 23,782 patients attending Outpatient Departments (OPDs), 1,019 admissions recorded, and various surgeries performed successfully.

Despite the challenges posed by inclement weather, maternal health services also remained unaffected, with 37 normal deliveries and 39 lower-segment caesarean sections conducted. Critical healthcare services such as dialysis sessions, diagnostic tests, laboratory tests, imaging services like USG, X-ray, ECG, and CT scans were all carried out efficiently.

The divisional-level officers were deployed across the Kashmir division to assess the preparedness and arrangements of health facilities in tackling the challenges arising from the snowstorm. According to a statement issued by the Director, Health Services Kashmir, Dr Jehangir Bakshi, the CMOs and district health administrators were instructed to coordinate with the district administration to ensure that all approach roads leading to healthcare facilities are promptly cleared.

The officials have also emphasized on guaranteeing staff availability, drugs, functional heating arrangements in all healthcare facilities to provide uninterrupted services to patients. Dedicated control rooms at divisional and district levels have been constituted to facilitate hassle-free healthcare services amidst inclement weather conditions.

Meanwhile, 62 patients requiring advanced care were referred to higher centers, while 14,541 laboratory tests were conducted. A total of 40 major surgeries and 313 minor procedures were carried out successfully in hospitals across the division.