By: Ishfaq Majeed
Magam: Residents of Magam, a town nestled in Baramulla district, have voiced their plea for the installation of an ATM outside the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Magam.
The absence of an ATM near the hospital premises has been a persistent inconvenience for patients and their families.
Magam, heavily reliant on SDH Magam for healthcare services, witnesses a surge in footfall daily. However, the lack of accessible ATM facilities exacerbates the difficulties faced by patients undergoing treatment.
The vicinity surrounding the hospital boasts numerous medical shops and laboratories, but the absence of an ATM facility poses a significant challenge for individuals in need of immediate cash transactions.
Expressing their distress, locals, while speaking to Kashmir Images, highlight the inconvenience of having to travel approximately 300 meters to access the nearest ATM, significantly adding to the burden of patients and their attendants.
In response to these challenges, residents have fervently appealed to higher authorities for the installation of an ATM outside or near SDH Magam. Such a provision would not only alleviate the financial strain on patients but also contribute to the overall convenience of healthcare seekers in the area.
Basharat Nazir, a patient, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals seeking medical treatment at SDH Magam Hospital. He recounted an incident where the patient, in need of urgent medical tests and medication, faced difficulties due to the unavailability of mobile banking services and the absence of nearby ATMs. Expressing concern over the lack of convenient banking facilities, the patient appealed to the authorities for the installation of an ATM in the vicinity.
The collective plea from the community underscores the urgent need for enhanced banking infrastructure to cater to the essential needs of individuals accessing healthcare services at SDH Magam.
Naib Tehsildar Magam, Fayaz Hussain Khan, while speaking to Kashmir Images, expressed his opinion that banks should consider installing an ATM outside the SDH Hospital Magam. He emphasized that such a move would alleviate any hesitation people, especially patients, might have while accessing cash. He further highlighted the convenience an ATM outside the hospital would provide. Notably, he mentioned that there haven’t been any formal requests made regarding ATM installation in that area. Given the distance of other ATMs from the hospital, he believes it’s imperative to have one on-site for the community’s benefit.
