Handwara, Aug 07: Recurring lift breakdowns at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara have become a source of concern for patients and their attendants, who say the persistent problem is affecting access to various hospital facilities and adding to the difficulties of those seeking treatment.
Patients and attendants said the repeated malfunctioning of lifts has particularly impacted senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and critically ill patients, many of whom are left with no option but to negotiate staircases or wait until the elevators are restored.
They said the situation becomes especially challenging while moving patients on stretchers and wheelchairs between different floors, with attendants and hospital staff often struggling to transport those requiring immediate medical attention.
The recurring disruptions, they alleged, have complicated the routine functioning of the hospital and highlighted the need for dependable infrastructure in a tertiary care institution catering to patients from Handwara and adjoining areas.
Calling for prompt intervention, patients and local residents urged the hospital administration and the concerned authorities to ensure the immediate restoration of the lifts and introduce a comprehensive maintenance plan to prevent repeated breakdowns and ensure uninterrupted services.
