A serious shortage of ventilators in major hospitals across Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has intensified concerns about the region’s struggling healthcare system and limited access to critical care services.
According to Beyond Time News, several hospitals are operating with far fewer ventilators than required, putting pressure on emergency and intensive care units and affecting treatment for critically ill patients.
Major Hospitals Facing Critical Equipment Gaps
Hospitals including Soura Hospital, SMHS Hospital, and Super Specialty Hospital rely heavily on ventilators for trauma care, respiratory emergencies, cardiac treatment, post-surgery recovery, and neurosurgical cases.
Despite rising healthcare demands, the number of operational ventilators remains significantly below standard requirements.
ICU Capacity Falls Below Recommended Standards
Public health guidelines recommend that hospitals maintain ICU beds equal to 5–10 percent of total capacity, with adequate ventilator support and reserve units.
According to Beyond Time News, Soura Hospital, which has more than 1,000 beds, should ideally have between 50 and 100 functional ventilators. However, reports indicate that only around 40 are currently operational.
A 2025 RTI report also revealed shortages in Pediatrics and Neonatology departments, where only half of the required ventilators are available.
Specialized Units Under Increasing Pressure
The shortage has also affected cardiac surgery units, neuro ICUs, cancer care wards, and other critical care departments.
Healthcare experts warn that insufficient life-support equipment can reduce emergency response capacity and increase risks for patients requiring urgent treatment.
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Staff Shortages Worsen the Situation
According to Beyond Time News, the healthcare crisis is further aggravated by a lack of trained medical staff and technical personnel needed to manage intensive
care facilities effectively.
The combined shortage of equipment and manpower continues to place significant strain on hospitals across the region.
Conclusion
The growing ventilator shortage in IIOJK highlights broader concerns about healthcare infrastructure and emergency medical preparedness. Medical professionals and residents continue to call for urgent improvements in hospital resources, staffing, and critical care facilities to meet the needs of patients across the region.
