Central heating system in hospitals yet to start

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 4

With a dip in the temperature, the doctors in Kashmir have urged the authorities concerned to start central heating systems in the government-run hospitals.

In a statement here today, the Doctors Association Kashmir alleged that the central heating system in most of the premier hospitals of the Valley had not been started yet and patients were suffering due to cold weather.

“With the mercury dipping in the Valley, patients are facing huge inconvenience due to lack of heating provisions in the hospitals,” the association said.

Emphasising the ill effects of cold on patients, the doctors’ body said dip in temperature results in thickening of blood in patients and constricts their arteries making them vulnerable to cardiovascular disease.

The association also said it was difficult for doctors and paramedical staff to work in cold conditions, especially during night hours.

The body also said the extreme cold might further aggravate the condition of asthmatic and chronic obstructive lung disease patients and urged the authorities concerned to start the central heating system in premier and other peripheral health institutions across the Valley.

“Children are especially prone to hypothermia which can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular dysfunction and even death,” it added.