Billions in Budget, Patients in Agony: Azad Kashmir Health Department Under Scrutiny

Muzaffarabad: The negligence of the Azad Kashmir Health Department is coming under intense criticism as systemic failures in the healthcare system have left patients suffering. A recent incident involving a pregnant woman in severe pain has spotlighted the shortcomings of the department, despite a multi-billion rupee budget allocated for health services.

In a distressing case at Garhi Dupatta Hospital, the patient arrived complaining of severe pain. An initial medical examination revealed that her blood levels were critically low—less than 7 points—indicating an urgent need for advanced medical intervention. Acting swiftly, the doctors immediately referred her to a major hospital in Muzaffarabad and instructed her family to expedite her transfer.

However, the situation took a tragic turn when the patient was taken to another prominent hospital in Azad Kashmir. The hospital management there, adopting a markedly different approach, conducted only a routine check-up and reassured the family that no significant issues were found, advising that the patient could safely return home. This decision proved to be grossly irresponsible.

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As the patient was en route home, she suddenly experienced intense labor pains. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, forcing an emergency roadside delivery at a nearby petrol pump under unsafe and challenging conditions. Fortunately, a local rescue team was alerted immediately, arriving in time to provide initial medical aid and subsequently referring her back to a major hospital in Muzaffarabad.

The public response has been one of outrage, with citizens demanding immediate accountability from the hospital administration for their handling of the case. This incident is not an isolated event—similar occurrences have been reported in the past at the same hospital, yet no responsible authorities have been identified or held accountable.

Attempts by Kashmir Digital to secure a comment from the hospital management were met with refusal, further intensifying public frustration and concerns over the health department’s operational failures.

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This case raises pressing questions about the management of a substantial health budget and the overall efficacy of the healthcare system in Azad Kashmir. Critics argue that the lack of proper protocols and the dismissive attitude of hospital administrators are endangering lives and undermining public trust in state-run health services.