Public should prioritise institutional deliveries to enhance fetal, maternal outcomes: Medical Superintendent
Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Aug 12 : Lal Ded Hospital, the only tertiary care maternity hospital in the Kashmir Valley, continues to experience a huge influx of patients, with around 800 individuals being treated daily in its Outpatient Department (OPD) and casualty ward.
An official at the hospital informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that, on average, 25-30 Full Term Normal Deliveries (FTND) are reported daily. He said the hospital performs 35-40 Lower Segment Cesarean Sections (LSCS) and 15-20 other surgeries or procedures each day.
As a 710-bed facility, Lal Ded Hospital serves as the main maternity and neonatal care centre for the entire Kashmir Valley, including the districts of Banihal, Ramban and Kishtwar. The hospital provides specialised gynaecological and obstetric services to around 750-800 patients in both OPD and casualty daily.
The hospital is equipped with a fully automated laboratory and blood bank, operating 24/7, where approximately 4,000-4,500 tests and investigations are conducted each day.
The official said nearly 280-300 ultrasound scans are performed daily. “The hospital also boasts a well-established IUI lab, a fetal medicine department, and a teleconsultation hub,” he said
Medical Superintendent Dr Muzaffar Jan said the hospital is committed to delivering quality and comprehensive maternal care. As the primary maternal healthcare institution in the valley, Lal Ded Hospital strives to meet high expectations and continuously improve its facilities, he said.
Dr Jan urged the public to prioritise institutional deliveries over home deliveries, saying that institutional deliveries enhance both fetal and maternal outcomes.
“The hospital offers skilled care, professional assistance, emergency care and comprehensive postpartum support. Newborns receive immediate care, immunisations and health checks, which are associated with lower rates of neonatal and infant mortality due to the availability of skilled care and emergency interventions when necessary,” the Medical Superintendent said—(KNO)
