Srinagar, Aug 6: Prominent citizens, medical experts and civil society members have urged the government to modernise Government Lalla Ded Hospital (LD Hospital), Srinagar, by equipping it with advanced medical technology, upgraded infrastructure and enhanced financial support to strengthen maternal and women's healthcare across Kashmir.

Describing LD Hospital as the Valley's premier institution for obstetric and gynaecological care, they said the hospital caters to hundreds of thousands of women every year and handles thousands of deliveries, surgeries, diagnostic tests and emergency referrals from hospitals across Kashmir.
They noted that the hospital remains the primary referral centre for critically ill pregnant women and complicated obstetric cases, making its continued strengthening a healthcare priority.
The speakers stressed that increasing the hospital's budget and introducing state-of-the-art medical equipment would significantly improve patient care, reduce pressure on existing facilities and enable doctors to manage high-risk pregnancies and medical emergencies more effectively.
Despite resource constraints, they appreciated the efforts of the Medical Superintendent, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, saying their dedication and commitment have substantially improved healthcare services and patient outcomes.
They said the hospital's medical staff continues to provide quality care under challenging circumstances and has earned the trust of patients across the Valley through professionalism and selfless service.
Several women patients also appealed to the government to expand the hospital's facilities and provide the latest medical technology to ensure better treatment during complicated pregnancies and childbirth.
They emphasised that every mother deserves safe, dignified and compassionate healthcare, noting that timely medical intervention can save both maternal and newborn lives.
The citizens observed that motherhood is central to society and that every effort should be made to ensure no woman loses her life while giving birth due to inadequate infrastructure or limited medical resources.
Calling for urgent government intervention, they urged authorities to fully modernise LD Hospital with advanced healthcare facilities, adequate manpower and sufficient funding, saying investment in maternal healthcare is an investment in the future of society.