Akhil Mahajan
Jammu, Aug 01: In response to a sharp rise in patient numbers caused by seasonal illnesses and the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, authorities in Jammu have approved the temporary use of two unused floors at the 200-bedded Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Hospital, Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar.
This move is intended to relieve pressure on the hospital’s overstretched infrastructure and ensure continued quality care for both residents and visiting pilgrims.
The decision was prompted by an urgent report from the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, which detailed the challenges posed by limited space and increased healthcare demands. The report also noted that the hospital’s restricted capacity had delayed the launch of academic programs, including the crucial Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses for training future healthcare professionals.
Although structurally complete, the two floors had remained non-functional due to administrative delays. Following a formal proposal and thorough review, officials concluded that utilizing these floors would immediately ease the burden on the hospital’s crowded wards.
Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaishya, IAS, promptly instructed the district administration to operationalize the floors, effectively expanding the hospital’s capacity to meet current healthcare needs.
“This temporary measure will strengthen our ability to provide timely and effective care to patients,” an official stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The additional space will help accommodate the increasing number of patients, particularly those affected by seasonal illnesses and the influx of pilgrims during the annual yatra.
Officials have clarified that this is a temporary arrangement. Once the current patient load decreases, the two floors will return to their intended use—providing maternal and child health services.
The MCH Hospital, a key provider of specialized care in the region, remains committed to its primary mission of serving mothers and children. Authorities have assured that this temporary change will not compromise the hospital’s long-term objectives.
