Reforms to strengthen medical services

Sir,
In order to strengthen medical services a series of reforms need to be initiated across the health institutions of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
There is urgent need for evening rounds by senior doctors of professor rank in all medical colleges and district hospitals. Such regular senior-level supervision during evening hours would significantly assist junior doctors and ensure timely, quality medical attention for patients. Senior doctors must be visibly present and guiding teams during critical hours.
It is also essential to maintain a proper dress code for all levels of medical staff. A clear identification through uniforms would help attendants and patients in locating the right personnel, thereby improving the overall experience and coordination during emergencies.
A major concern is the vacancy of posts in GMCs and district hospitals and authorities must immediately fill the vacant positions of doctors and paramedical staff. It is stressed that understaffing is one of the main reasons behind compromised patient care.
On the contentious issue of private practice, the Government should allow it only during evening hours and place a complete ban during morning shifts when doctors are expected to serve at Government health institutions. Morning hours must be exclusively reserved for Government duty.
It is recommended that MRI machines be installed in all medical colleges, with an extra unit kept in reserve in each institution for emergency use in case of machine breakdowns. This will help in diagnostic readiness.
The availability of critical care ambulances equipped with trained drivers at every hospital are necessary to handle emergencies efficiently.
It is also urged for more accountability from senior hospital administration. CMOs at GMCs and district hospitals should be active in emergency wards, not confined to offices or busy on phones. Besides, the Medical Superintendents should take twice-daily rounds of their hospitals to monitor services firsthand, and in their absence, Deputy Medical Superintendents should take over this responsibility.
Dr Rajinder Thappa
Member Old-Age and Infirm Ashram
Amphalla Jammu

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