Hospital closes Cath-Lab for critical patients
In a brazen violation, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) authorities have dismantled vital and the only Cath-lab – giving tough time to cardiology patients.
Sources said that on the directions of Director SKIMS, Dr Showkat Ali Zargar, cardiology department of begun the process of dismantling the Cath-lab, without providing any alternative to the growing number of cardiology patients.They said the patients – who are advised some vital tests by the department – have either to wait or return home.
“We are ashamed of working in the system. We are unable to treat patients what we have been taught all these years – all because of the mismanagement of this so called tertiary care hospital,” said a resident doctor, wishing not to be named.
“We go to the patient wards, see patients and keep them waiting. They are terrified. They are victimised and then when they reach to SKIMS, they are being punished for the sins that they never committed,” the doctor said. According to some senior officials at the department, patients who are advised angioplasty or Cath lab treatment by the doctors are kept waiting for “no reasons.”
“If the Cath-lab was to be dismantled or renovated, the authorities should have provided an alternative to us for providing a hassle-free healthcare,” officials said.
One such case is Javed Hussain Wani, who had suffered a heart attack over two weeks back.
Wani, who came to SKIMS from Doda district, is currently admitted at the cardiology department, SKIMS – bed number, 11, MRD number: 00866793.
The patient said that the doctors advised him that he has to undergo angioplasty and a stent be placed on priority basis.
“I immediately called home for money and other arrangements. Everything was done. I am now waiting to get the stent placed since last 12 to 13 days,” said apparently depressed Wani.
“I don’t know the reasons why I am being denied the treatment,” he said.
While this wasn’t enough, another group of doctors advised Wani to return home, citing reasons that Cath-lab was being renovated.
“I don’t know what to do now,” Wani said.
However, the technical staff at the department termed the move as “unscientific” and “criminal” by the SKIMS administration.
“The director wants to invite Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed to the hospital for another inauguration of cath lab, which has already been inaugurated by him in 2008,” said an official.
Talking to us, head, department of cardiology, Dr Nissar Ahmad Tramboo said the only Cath-Lab was commissioned about 15 years back.
However it couldn’t suffice the requirement.
“We are renovating the Cath Lab, so there may be some problems,” he said.
Asked when new lab will be commissioned, Tramboo said the tenders have been notified. However, it’s a government process and will take time.
He said the department receives huge influx of patients every day. “Every day we see 3 to 4 patients, who suffer heart attacks. Then there are referrals and also our old patients, which we see in our OPDs. So the patient rush is really high”.
Asked why hospital did not provide any alternative to the critical cardiology patients, Tramboo said, “Yes, I know there may problems because of this”.
He, however, was quick to add that they he is off these days.
Medical Superintendent, Dr Farooq Ahmad Jan couldn’t be contacted because his phone was on switched off mode.
Director SKIMS, Dr Showkat Ali Zargar choose not to comment on the issue.
Meanwhile, Doctors Association Kashmir termed the closure of the cath lab as “criminal.” “Closing of the Cath-lab is criminal,” said DAK president, Dr Nisar-Ul-Hassan adding they can’t be callous about heart patients.
