Srinagar, Sep 30: A patient at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar has reportedly been given a surgery date nearly five months after being assessed, raising concerns over waiting periods for elective procedures at the government-run tertiary care hospital.
According to an OPD record dated September 25, 2026, a patient examined in the hospital’s surgery department was advised to undergo laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy. The procedure has been scheduled for February 19, 2027.
A relative of the patient said the case highlights the difficulties faced by people who rely on government hospitals for specialised and affordable treatment, particularly those who cannot afford prolonged care at private facilities.
The patient had approached the hospital with complaints including upper abdominal pain. Medical investigations reportedly indicated gallbladder stones. The record also mentions Grade III prostatomegaly and Grade I fatty liver, while cholecystectomy was advised.
Elective surgeries are generally scheduled based on clinical priority, operating theatre availability and the number of patients awaiting procedures. However, long waiting periods can create difficulties for patients dealing with continuing symptoms and additional medical expenses.
SMHS Hospital handles a substantial patient load. RTI-based figures reported last year indicated that the hospital recorded more than 9.86 lakh OPD visits and around 1.08 lakh IPD admissions during 2023-24. The hospital also conducted thousands of surgeries during the period amid reported manpower constraints.
The reported case has brought renewed attention to the capacity of public healthcare institutions to provide timely elective surgical services, particularly to patients who cannot afford private treatment.
For patients dependent on government healthcare, prolonged waiting periods can leave them with limited alternatives while they await scheduled procedures.
Srinagar, Sep 30: A patient at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar has reportedly been given a surgery date nearly five months after being assessed, raising concerns over waiting periods for elective procedures at the government-run tertiary care hospital.
According to an OPD record dated September 25, 2026, a patient examined in the hospital’s surgery department was advised to undergo laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy. The procedure has been scheduled for February 19, 2027.
A relative of the patient said the case highlights the difficulties faced by people who rely on government hospitals for specialised and affordable treatment, particularly those who cannot afford prolonged care at private facilities.
The patient had approached the hospital with complaints including upper abdominal pain. Medical investigations reportedly indicated gallbladder stones. The record also mentions Grade III prostatomegaly and Grade I fatty liver, while cholecystectomy was advised.
Elective surgeries are generally scheduled based on clinical priority, operating theatre availability and the number of patients awaiting procedures. However, long waiting periods can create difficulties for patients dealing with continuing symptoms and additional medical expenses.
SMHS Hospital handles a substantial patient load. RTI-based figures reported last year indicated that the hospital recorded more than 9.86 lakh OPD visits and around 1.08 lakh IPD admissions during 2023-24. The hospital also conducted thousands of surgeries during the period amid reported manpower constraints.
The reported case has brought renewed attention to the capacity of public healthcare institutions to provide timely elective surgical services, particularly to patients who cannot afford private treatment.
For patients dependent on government healthcare, prolonged waiting periods can leave them with limited alternatives while they await scheduled procedures.
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