Gap Between Claim and Reality: Ganderbal Residents Criticize Hospital’s Ultrasound Facility

MS Dr. Farah refutes allegations, says “Ultrasound services remain fully functional after 4 PM and continue until 8 PM.”

 

Aqzar Raheel

 

Ganderbal, Dec 6 (KNZ): Residents in Ganderbal are raising serious concerns over what they describe as “restricted and inconsistent” ultrasound services at the District Hospital, alleging that the facility effectively stops functioning after 4 PM a claim firmly contradicted by the hospital administration.

 

Several locals say they have repeatedly been directed to travel to Srinagar’s SKIMS Soura or SMHS Hospital for even routine or emergency ultrasound examinations during evening hours. This, they say, adds financial strain, delays treatment, and causes stress for already distressed families.

 

The complaints have renewed questions about the district’s public healthcare system and the gap between official claims and patient experiences. “What is the point of a district hospital if patients must still travel 20 kilometres for a simple ultrasound?” asked one attendee.

 

Residents argue that the administration’s claims of strengthened health infrastructure in Ganderbal “remain largely rhetorical” unless the hospital ensures 24×7 ultrasound services.

 

The hospital, however, strongly rejects the allegations. Medical Superintendent Dr. Farah said statements about services ending at 4 PM are “not accurate and misleading.”

 

“Ultrasound services remain fully functional after 4 PM and continue until 8 PM. No doctor checks out before this time,” she told Kashmir News Zone, adding that the hospital currently has a qualified PG/DNB Radiologist on duty, along with a Senior Radiologist available to support services.

 

Dr. Farah noted that the hospital has already sought additional trained staff, citing mandatory certification requirements for performing ultrasounds. “Medical Officers cannot conduct ultrasounds without the required training. The Directorate of Health has opened applications for these programmes. We expect adequate manpower soon, which will help us move toward a 24×7 ultrasound facility,” she said.