Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Oct 09 (KNS): The lack of an overhead footbridge near Bemina Children Hospital is leading to severe difficulties for patients and their attendants who have to navigate the busy traffic to access the medical facility.
Bemina Children Hospital serves as a crucial healthcare center for children and infants here in Srinagar city, however, the absence of a footbridge has created a hazardous situation for those seeking medical care.
“Patients, especially those with children, elderly attendants, face a daunting challenge when attempting to cross the road to reach the hospital. The busy traffic and the absence of a safe pedestrian crossing exacerbate the situation, putting lives at risk,” says a father who had to cross the road while his ill son aged 5-years was in his lap.
The other patients told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), that attendants and family members accompanying patients also endure the same hardships.
Local residents and concerned citizens have raised their voices, demanding the immediate construction of an overhead footbridge to ensure the safety and convenience of those accessing the hospital.
They argue that it is a matter of utmost urgency to address this issue, as delay could lead to avoidable accidents.
Medical staff at Bemina Children Hospital have also expressed their concerns about the impact of the footbridge's absence on patient care. “Timely access to medical facilities is crucial for treating pediatric patients, and any hindrance in this regard can have adverse effects on their health outcomes,” they said.
One of the doctors posted in this hospital said that the absence of an overhead footbridge is causing immense hardships for patients and their attendants. “It is essential that swift action is taken to construct a safe and convenient pedestrian bridge to ensure that healthcare access remains unimpeded, and lives are not put at risk due to avoidable accidents,” the doctor said, insisting not to be named.
Notably in the month of March, two persons had died after they were hit by an ambulance vehicle near this hospital at Bemina Srinagar.
“How many more fatalities have to happen," the local asked.
They said that fast-moving vehicular traffic and poor road signage are adding to the woes of visitors here.
A regular visitor to this hospital told KNS that it is difficult for pedestrians to anticipate the oncoming vehicles. "As there is no facility for pedestrians such as a zebra crossing or signal, people are forced to dart across the road".
Attendants say that there are chances of a road accident outside the hospital road as attendants and patients are crossing the bypass without any foot-over bridge or Zebra-Crossing.
The Government had shifted the Children’s Hospital from Sonwar to Srinagar. The attendants have been facing multiple problems in the newly inaugurated hospital.
The attendants say that there is a strong case for installing a foot-over bridge outside the hospital for safe commuting. “The hospital is outside the bypass where vehicles pass without any dynamic speed limit. The spot is prone to accidents and to avoid those, the government should install a foot-over bridge like we have one outside JVC or Government College for Women on MA Road,” they said, adding that authorities must address the issue at the earliest.
It is also difficult for ambulances to reach the hospital in case of emergencies as they have to take a U-turn two kilometres ahead of the hospital, attendants said.
The concerned officials told KNS that the matter has been taken up with the higher authorities.(KNS)