Sopore, October 15: The residents of north Kashmir’s Duroo village complained that the Primary Health Centre (PHC) located in their village lacks staff and basic facilities as they are being forced to visit other places for medical treatment.
Locals here alleged that a year ago, the Health Department allotted an ambulance for the PHC but due to the official apathy the same is being used at Sub-district Hospital Sopore. “When this PHC was established here, the authorities had promised us that all kind of medical facility will be made available here as the Health Centre caters to a vast area which include villages like Dangerpora, Mundji,Sepmpora, Machipora Goripora and Darapora,” said Ali Mohammad resident of Duroo.
“Poplar trees were auctioned for accommodation of the ambulance and renovation of fencing of PHC but the Health Department failed to utilize the funds for the said work and all this money was deposited in the government treasury,” Ali Mohammad added.
When Kashmir Images contacted the PHC employees for knowing their side of the story, they said: “We have informed the Health Department several times about the need of upgrading basic facilities at the PHC but our demands were never taken seriously”
“Although a dental surgeon is posted at the PHC but due to dilapidated condition of the dental chair, which is an essential part for carrying out dental treatment, the doctor is not able to treat the patients here,” they added.
They further said that there are no USG, ECG and much-needed digital X-ray facilities available at the PHC.
Speaking to Kashmir Images, Block Medical Officer, Dr Sami said, “Yes, it is true that the PHC is facing many issues. We have already informed the higher-ups about the issues being witnessed at the PHC.”
“Seven ambulances have been sanctioned for the Primary Health Centres and Duroo PHC will be allotted a new ambulance very soon.
