Bandipora, Feb 03 (KNO): Government claims made in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly about upgraded paediatric and maternal intensive care facilities at District Hospital Bandipora sharply contrast with the reality on the ground, where key ICU units remain locked, unused and in some cases turned into waiting areas and office spaces.
In response to a query by Congress leader and Bandipora legislator Nizam‑Ud‑Din Bhat, the government, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), informed the Assembly that under the Emergency COVID Response Package–II (ECRP‑II), a 12‑bed Paediatric Hybrid ICU, a 30‑bed Oxygen‑Supported Paediatric Ward, and a 10‑bed Maternal ICU had been established at the district hospital.
It further claimed that a 50‑bed Critical Care Block had been approved under the PM‑Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM‑ABHIM).
However, a ground check found that none of these ICUs is functional. The paediatric and maternal ICUs—constructed as prefabricated hutments—are locked and defunct, with equipment worth crores lying inside gathering dust.
Hospital sources said the machinery procured years ago has never been used and is now deteriorating due to non‑operation.
The 30‑bed Oxygen‑Supported Paediatric Ward, which the government said had been established at considerable cost, has been converted into a routine immunisation centre and is being used as a waiting area for gynaecology patients. As a result, the hospital continues to refer critical paediatric and maternal cases to Srinagar, despite supposedly having upgraded ICU capacity.
Locals expressed shock at the mismatch between official claims and the situation on the ground. Many alleged a “major scam”, accusing officials of criminal negligence. “Funds were sanctioned, equipment purchased, structures built—yet everything remains locked. People have been suffering for years,” said Shabir Ahmad, a resident.
Hospital sources also claimed that some equipment procured under ECRP‑II and PM‑ABHIM may be untraceable. They alleged that the prefab ICU structures have remained locked since their completion and the units have never handled a single patient.
Residents have demanded a probe into why the ICUs remain non‑functional despite being declared “established” on the floor of the House. They said only a transparent inquiry can determine why essential healthcare infrastructure has remained idle for years—(KNO)