Ganderbal, Feb 18: A ‘New Type Primary Health Centre’ located in far-flung Chaturgul village of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal lacks basic facilities and adequate medical staff which, according to locals, compel the patients to travel 30 to 50 kms for seeking medical treatment.
Local residents said that they were happy when the old type PHC was upgraded to new type PHC but the up-gradation was done only on paper and infrastructure of the medical facility is same as it was before. “The PHC is still operating from the old building which has got very less space. Doctors who are posted at the centre hardly remain present there.”
Manzoor Ahmad, a local resident said, “Medicines are not available at the PHC. We don’t even get syringes here. More than 10 villages depend on the health centre for primary healthcare needs. Patients are being compelled to visit Trauma hospital Kangan, District hospital Ganderbal or SKIMS.”
When contacted CMO Ganderbalm, Dr Roshan Din Kasana, said: “The ongoing strike of NRHM employees may have affected the functioning of the PHC. I will ensure availability of doctor every day there.”
When asked about the lack of space at the PHC, the CMO said: “Every issue related to the PHC will be resolved soon.”
