A critical shortage of medical and paramedical staff at the Pulwama District Hospital has left thousands of patients struggling to access essential healthcare services. The hospital is reportedly operating with just 70% of the required staff, leading to long wait times, inadequate treatment, and increasing frustration among patients.
The crisis worsened recently after the abrupt transfer of five senior doctors, including specialists Dr. Irfan Shams, Dr. Asif Jan, Dr. Ashiq Hussain, and Dr. Gulzar. Their absence has created a major void in expert care at the district’s primary health facility.
A hospital employee from the ENT department revealed that the situation has become “critical” and noted a decline in patient visits, as many now prefer private clinics operated by the transferred doctors. The shortage is affecting all departments and is expected to intensify with the onset of winter, when medical demands typically rise.
The issue has sparked concern across political and civil society circles. PDP MLA has written to Health Minister Sakina Yatoo urging Dr. Asif Jan’s reinstatement. BJP’s Avtar Singh and NC’s Muhammad Khalil Bandh have also demanded the doctors be brought back, terming the staff shortage a serious injustice.
Civil society leaders, including activist Muhammad Altaf Bhat, have called it a public health emergency and urged the Lieutenant Governor to intervene. “Transferring doctors without replacements is an attack on our healthcare system,” Bhat said.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Abdul Ghani Dar confirmed a 30% staff shortfall and said the matter has been raised with higher authorities.
As pressure mounts, the public awaits immediate government action to restore full services at the hospital and ensure the people of Pulwama are not denied their right to basic healthcare.