Amid Heatwave, Patients Suffer at District Hospital Kulgam as Cooling Facilities Remain Unavailable, AC System Defunct in Old Building

Danishwar Hameed 

Kulgam, July 7: Amid an intense heatwave sweeping across the Kashmir Valley, patients and attendants at District Hospital Kulgam are enduring severe discomfort due to the lack of cooling and drinking water facilities—this time in the old hospital building, where the centralized air conditioning system remains defunct.

The absence of fans, air conditioning, and proper ventilation has turned the hospital wards into stifling spaces, putting patients—especially the elderly and children—at greater health risk during the scorching temperatures.

Senior BJP leader Zubair Ahmad Ganie visited the hospital on Monday and raised concern over the deteriorating conditions. “The lack of basic facilities in a functioning hospital is deeply concerning. Treating patients in such an environment is unacceptable. Authorities must act swiftly,” he said.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Syed Masood stated that the hospital is currently undergoing renovation and that the infrastructure, including the AC system and fans, will be restored soon.

Meanwhile, locals have urged Health Minister Sakina Itoo, health department officials, and the district administration to take immediate action. The incident has reignited concerns about the preparedness and infrastructure of healthcare institutions in the region, especially during extreme weather conditions.