Cite privacy concerns, urge Health Dept to ensure trained female technicians remain available
Srinagar, Sep 15: Women patients at government hospitals in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns over the absence of female staff in ECG rooms, saying the situation can make them uncomfortable while undergoing the diagnostic procedure and, in some cases, may lead to delays.
The patients and attendants told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that ECG is an important investigation, particularly for those reporting chest pain, breathlessness or other symptoms requiring immediate cardiac assessment. However, they said women who are uncomfortable undergoing the procedure in the presence of male technicians should have the option of being assisted by trained female staff.
A woman patient who recently visited a district hospital in South Kashmir said she delayed the test after finding that only a male technician was available.
“I was advised to undergo an ECG immediately, but I was uncomfortable proceeding with a male technician. I waited for some time hoping that a female staff member would become available. For a patient who is already anxious about her health, having to wait in such circumstances makes the situation more difficult,” she said.
Similarly, a woman from North Kashmir, who spoke about her experience at a government healthcare facility, said privacy becomes a major concern for many female patients during the procedure.
“Women patients should not be placed in a situation where they have to choose between their privacy and an important medical test. Some women may feel hesitant because the procedure requires access to the chest area. If a trained female technician is available, patients can undergo the test without unnecessary hesitation,” she said.
An attendant at a hospital in Pulwama said the issue could be addressed through a simple duty roster without requiring major changes to hospital infrastructure.
“Female staff are already working in different hospital departments. If a female technician or another trained female healthcare worker is available in the ECG section during duty hours, it can provide considerable comfort to women patients. This is about dignity and privacy, not about making the procedure difficult,” she said.
A senior physician, requesting anonymity, said hospitals should ensure that privacy concerns do not interfere with timely diagnostic assessment.
“ECG is a quick and important investigation and, in suspected cardiac emergencies, the findings can assist doctors in making immediate clinical decisions. If a patient postpones the investigation because of discomfort, it can potentially delay diagnosis and treatment,” the doctor said.
The physician, however, said the concern should be addressed sensitively and without creating unnecessary barriers to emergency care.
“Male technicians are trained professionals, but hospitals must also recognise that some patients, particularly women, may have genuine privacy concerns. Wherever feasible, a trained female staff member should be available to assist female patients who request one,” the doctor said.
Patients said the requirement was particularly important in district and sub-district hospitals, where women from rural and far-flung areas frequently depend on government facilities for diagnostic services.
They appealed to the Health and Medical Education Department to review the staffing arrangements in ECG units and consider a mechanism under which trained female technicians or other qualified female healthcare personnel could be made available for women patients.
“We are not asking for a separate facility everywhere. Even a proper duty roster ensuring the availability of female staff when required would provide reassurance to women patients,” an attendant from Pulwama said.
The patients have urged Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo to examine the matter and issue appropriate directions to government hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir.
They said ensuring adequate female staff in ECG units would help hospitals provide diagnostic services in a manner that protects patient privacy and dignity while also preventing avoidable delays in medical investigations. (KNO)
