Anantnag/Kulgam, June 11, KNT: Serious concerns have been raised by patients and attendants over the worsening conditions at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag and District Hospital (DH) Kulgam, with people alleging a severe lack of basic facilities, unhygienic conditions, and complete administrative neglect.
Visitors to both hospitals told Kashmir News Trust that they were shocked by the absence of proper sanitation and the deteriorating infrastructure, which they say is putting the health of patients at further risk.
“These hospitals look more like neglected warehouses than healthcare centres,” said Aijaz Ahmad, an attendant from Qazigund. “There is no proper cleaning, toilets are broken and overflowing, and patients are lying on dirty beds. It’s inhumane.”
Several visitors complained about foul smells emanating from corridors, blocked sinks, and garbage left unattended for days.
“There are no dustbins in the wards, the bathrooms are unusable, and there’s barely any water,” said Ruqaya Bano, whose father is admitted at DH Kulgam. “If someone is already sick, this environment only makes them worse.”
Staff at both hospitals reportedly struggle with limited resources, while many patients suffer due to a lack of basic supplies like clean linens, disinfectants, and even drinking water.
“Sanitation workers rarely visit wards,” claimed a patient at GMC Anantnag. “Even emergency rooms are not being cleaned regularly. The hospital is full of patients, but there’s no system.”
Locals and social activists have accused the administration of ignoring the worsening condition of public healthcare facilities in South Kashmir. “We keep hearing tall claims from officials about improving healthcare, but the ground reality is appalling,” said Zahid Mir, a local activist in Anantnag.
Repeated calls for improvement and regular monitoring have gone unheard, residents allege. Many believe that unless urgent measures are taken, both GMC Anantnag and DH Kulgam could turn into breeding grounds for infection instead of centers of healing.
Locals are demanding urgent government intervention, regular sanitation audits, and accountability for the deteriorating state of these essential public health institutions.
When contacted, Dr. Sanjeet Singh, Medical Superintendent in charge at GMC Anantnag, acknowledged receiving complaints but said the situation is not as bad as portrayed. “There are proper sanitation facilities in place, and we have not received reports of patients or attendants facing serious inconvenience. However, we will ensure more focus on cleanliness going forward,” he told KNT.
An official from DH Kulgam also dismissed the claims, saying, “We maintain proper sanitation practices and follow regular cleaning schedules. There may be isolated cases, but overall, the hospital is functioning well.” [KNT]
