Srinagar: Patients and attendants visiting Sub-District Hospital Beerwah in Budgam district have expressed concern over the absence of an ATM facility at the hospital, saying they are forced to travel nearly a kilometre, even during late hours, to withdraw cash in times of medical emergencies.
Several patients said the lack of an ATM within or near the hospital premises causes serious inconvenience, particularly at night when immediate purchase of medicines is often required.
Gulzar Ahmad Gani, a local resident, recalled a recent incident when his wife was admitted to the hospital for two days. According to him, doctors advised him late at night to buy medicines from a nearby pharmacy, but he did not have cash at hand.
“I had to travel nearly two kilometres to reach the nearest ATM to withdraw money. After returning to the hospital area, I purchased the medicines while my wife was in severe pain. If an ATM facility were available within the hospital premises, people would not face such difficulties during emergencies,” he said.
Another patient, Seerat Jan, said female patients in particular face hardships due to the absence of the facility. She noted that many patients and attendants have to hire an auto-rickshaw and spend additional money to reach the nearest ATM.
“Female patients often have to pay around Rs 20 as auto fare just to reach the ATM and withdraw money. This has become a routine for many visitors and patients coming to the hospital,” she said.
She questioned why the hospital continues to function without such a basic facility despite government efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
“SDH Beerwah witnesses a large number of patients round the clock. If the government is focusing on improving healthcare services, then the hospital should also have an ATM facility for the convenience of patients,” she added.
Patients and attendants have appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of Budgam and the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Bank to install an ATM within the hospital premises so that visitors can access cash easily during medical emergencies.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani, MLA Beerwah, did not respond to repeated calls from this reporter. As a result, the concerns and demands of the people could not be brought to the notice of the legislator.
