Srinagar, Sep 24 (KNO): No agency came forward to participate in the tender process for ventilator procurement and servicing at GMC Baramulla despite repeated extensions, the Health Minister informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
The issue raised by MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig under a calling attention motion, flagging non-functional ventilators and what he described as serious gaps in critical care preparedness.
“Failure needs no explanation. Drugs and life-saving machines need not be compromised,” Baig said, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). He urged the government to address the issue immediately.
He said GMC Baramulla should be prioritised as it caters to a large population of North Kashmir, stressing that delays in addressing critical equipment issues could have serious consequences for patients requiring emergency and life-saving treatment.
Responding to the issue, the Minister in charge of Health and Medical Education said tenders had been floated for the required work, but no agency participated despite repeated extensions.
The Minister said the equipment had to be procured or serviced through a certified agency and that remedial measures were being taken to address the issue.
The Minister also said MRI and Cath Lab facilities were under process, while assuring that the Health Department remained committed to patient care. “We won’t let people suffer,” the Minister said.
The Minister further acknowledged that there were gaps in the healthcare system, but said the department was working to address areas requiring attention.—(KNO)