While the routine work in Kashmir hospitals has been put on hold in view of coronavirus crisis, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Monday said hospitals in the valley continue to provide care for urgent situations and emergency patients.“People should not hesitate to go to a hospital if they have an emergency,” said DAK PresidentDr Nisar ul Hassan.He said people have been asking if it is still possible for them to go to the hospitals for problems not related to coronavirus.They are a little more apprehensive about going to a hospital. They choose not to go to hospital out of fear of contracting the virus.Dr Nisar said it is important for people to know that medical staff are available round the clock to attend and manage all emergencies. They should not think there is no recourse for them.People must know that there are separate clinics and isolation wards in hospitals for CoVID-19 patients.He said people shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that they should seek the emergency room if they are actually in distress. It should never be discouraged based on any degree of concern that the healthcare system is under strain.“If you are having a chest pain, if you are having a severe abdominal pain or something like that, don’t push it off until it becomes catastrophic,” Dr Nisar said.“In the midst of the outbreak people will still have heart attacks, strokes. Babies will still be born. Appendixes will still burst.These are life-threatening conditions and can’t be taken care from home,” he saidDr Nisar said hospitals across the valley have cancelled routine visits and postponed all procedures and surgeries that are not urgent or emergent. This has been done as an abundance of caution during this serious outbreak and historical public health emergency.“The move will free up space and beds, preserve supplies and ensure medical staff are available in case of any eventuality,” he said.“For minor ailments or chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes people can call helpline numbers of hospitals that can provide them medical advice and dispense drugs without having to come to the medical facility,” said Dr Nisar. (KNT)