 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 29: Renowned RTI and Social Activist of Jammu & Kashmir, Sh. Balvinder Singh, has strongly urged the State Government, Health Department, and particularly the Hon'ble Chief Minister Sh. Omar Abdullah, to immediately address the worsening parking crisis at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu and SMGS Hospital.
In a statement issued today, Mr. Singh highlighted that both prestigious hospitals have undergone a significant expansion in medical infrastructure and bed capacity over the years. He stated that ten years ago, GMC Jammu had a capacity of 500 beds, which has now increased to 1,066. Similarly, SMGS Hospital, which began with 150 beds, has now expanded to 750 beds, with an additional 250 beds expected to be added shortly. Despite this massive growth, the supporting infrastructure-particularly parking facilities-has not kept pace.
Mr. Singh acknowledged that the hospital authorities have indeed made sincere efforts to accommodate the maximum number of vehicles within the limited parking space. However, the existing facilities are grossly insufficient to meet the current demand. He therefore urged the government to construct multi-tier (multi-level) parking facilities at both institutions, emphasizing that such structures are the only sustainable and long-term solution to the worsening space crunch.
He further pointed out that due to the acute shortage of designated parking spaces, visitors are compelled to park outside the hospital premises, often on congested approach roads and restricted zones. This not only causes severe traffic congestion but also leads to challans being issued for alleged wrong parking, even when visitors have no alternative. Patients, attendants, and even emergency vehicles are facing continuous hardships because of this long-pending issue.
Singh stressed that the situation has now reached a critical stage and necessitates immediate government intervention. Establishing multi-tier parking facilities at GMC and SMGS would significantly ease public inconvenience, streamline vehicular movement, and support the expanding healthcare operations of these vital institutions. |
