Raiyar (Budgam), Feb 02: Instead of adding healthcare facilities to vital Primary Health Centre (PHC) Raiyar in Khansahib, the government has stirred crisis at the hospital as it, according to locals, has gone from bad to worse.
Established in 1980s and located on Budgam-Doodhpathri road, around 23 kms from district headquarters, Raiyar PHC is facing shortage of doctors.
“Last year, two doctors were posted at PHC Raiyar, however, health department removed one of the doctors and nowadays only one doctor remains available here,” lamented Nisar Ahmad, a local. “As per the need of people, government should have increased the number of doctors.”
This PHC is catering to thousands of souls from Raiyar, Raiyar Ich, Trajkhal, Kralpathri, Googithaj, Machpora, Khospora and other villages.
Presently, a technician is looking after the dental section of hospital as the lone dentist was transferred last year, Ahmad said. “In absence of dentist, we are compelled to get treated by technician.”
In July last year, Kashmir Images reported about the dearth of doctors with headline “People suffer as Raiyar PHC lacks staff” after that hospital started functioning smoothly for sometime, said Ghulam Qadir, another local, adding that few months later, problems again erupted.
Residents of Raiyar complained that PHC remains functional from 12 pm to 3 pm only. Few days back, this reporter also visited PHC at around 3:15 pm and found main gate of the facility locked.
While Chief Medical Officer Budgam Dr Nazir Ahmad Bhat said that he will look into the matter.
