SDH Banihal Maintains Low Referral Rate Despite Staff Shortages

The Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal has successfully maintained a referral rate of just 1.02 percent, despite grappling with a significant shortage of specialist doctors and paramedical staff. This achievement comes amid calls from local MLA Sajjad Shaheen for the establishment of a Level-3 Trauma Care Centre at the facility, located along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway.

Currently, out of six sanctioned consultant posts, only two specialists—a Gynecologist and an Orthopedician—are available at SDH Banihal. The absence of critical specialists such as a Radiologist, General Surgeon, Anesthetist, and Pediatrician has severely constrained the hospital’s capability to deliver advanced, life-saving care, particularly in trauma and emergency situations. Although the post of Block Medical Officer (BMO) has been filled and ten Medical Officers are on duty, staffing challenges persist in several departments. The Dental wing, for instance, is operating with only one Dental Surgeon, while an additional surgeon is needed to manage the patient influx.

The shortfall in paramedical staff is particularly concerning, with only 38 personnel currently employed against a sanctioned strength of 56. This staffing gap, combined with shortages in multi-tasking staff (MTS) and sanitary staff, significantly impacts hospital operations and patient care.

Low Referral Rate Amid Staffing Challenges

Despite these difficulties, SDH Banihal has recorded an impressively low referral rate. BMO Dr. Shabir Ahmed Dar highlighted that over the past two years, the hospital has treated 3,82,529 outpatients (OPD), with just 3,907 referrals made to higher medical institutions due to the unavailability of tertiary-level diagnostic and specialized facilities. He stated that regular audits of referrals are conducted to ensure that only necessary cases are directed elsewhere.

Dr. Dar emphasized that all doctors at the hospital have been instructed to minimize patient referrals. The 1.02 percent referral rate reflects the hospital’s effectiveness in delivering primary and secondary healthcare, even while facing significant staffing limitations.

Regional Importance and Calls for Expansion

Officials noted that SDH Banihal serves a vital role in the region, accommodating the highest patient footfall from Banihal and Ramsoo sub-divisions. With enhanced railway connectivity, patients are increasingly arriving from SDH Gool and other peripheral areas. The hospital is strategically located amidst challenging hilly terrain and is the sole major healthcare facility between Ramban and the Navyuga Tunnel.

In light of ongoing challenges, MLA Sajjad Shaheen has advocated for the establishment of a 50-bedded Level-3 Trauma Care Centre at SDH Banihal. In a formal communication to the Chief Medical Officer of Ramban, he emphasized that the hospital operates continuously, serving a population exceeding 200,000 from the erstwhile tehsils of Banihal and Gool Sangaldan and managing a daily OPD of between 600 to 800 patients.

The representation also pointed out the heightened pressure during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, when nearly 1 million pilgrims pass through the area and depend on SDH Banihal for initial medical assistance and emergency care.

In accordance with official communication, SDH Banihal meets the criteria for upgrading to a 100-bedded hospital under India Public Health Services (IPHS) norms. Sufficient land is available for potential expansion. Given the steady influx of road traffic accident cases, emergency referrals, and increasing patient numbers, the establishment of a Level-3 Trauma Care Centre has been described as essential for preserving lives.