SRINAGAR: Most of the air conditioning units installed in the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag hospital are non-functional, leaving patients and their attendants shivering in the cold, particularly in the ICU ward.
Patients have raised alarms over the issue, especially in the ICU, where eight ACs were installed, but according to them, none is functioning. This is exacerbating the already harsh winter conditions, with temperatures dropping well below freezing.
“My mother is admitted in the ICU, and the room is unbearably cold. We asked the staff about the ACs, but they said they’ve been out of order for weeks. It’s not only uncomfortable but also harmful for patients who are already in critical condition,” a patient’s relative, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said.
Similar complaints have emerged from other wards across the hospital, with patients and attendants reporting an ongoing struggle to cope with the biting cold.
“Being here for days, I have noticed that most of the ACs are not working,” shared a patient from the general ward. “The staff says they are waiting for repairs, but nothing has been done. The cold is making it harder for people to rest and recover.”
The hospital, which caters to a large number of patients from across South Kashmir, is facing significant challenges due to the malfunctioning ACs during winter. With temperatures regularly dipping to sub-zero levels, many are questioning the hospital’s preparedness to deal with the winter season.
Healthcare experts warn that the cold conditions could lead to further complications, especially for vulnerable patients such as those with respiratory issues, the elderly, and post-surgery patients.
“The hospital needs to address this immediately, as the cold is affecting not just comfort, but the health and recovery of the patients,” a local resident said.
Hospital authorities couldn’t be contacted to seek their comments on the issue. (KDC)
