Basic healthcare takes a hit at NTPHC Lalpora amid staff crunch

Kupwara, Nov 11: Residents of Lalpora and adjoining villages in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district are facing severe hardships due to the absence of a dental surgeon and other essential medical staff at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Lalpora.

Locals said that despite repeated appeals, the authorities have failed to fill the vacant posts, leaving a large population without basic healthcare facilities.

A separate dental ward with a fully equipped chair has been set up at the hospital, but residents said it remains non-functional in the absence of a dental surgeon. “We had a dental technician here, but after the outbreak of COVID-19, he was transferred elsewhere, and no replacement was made,” said Nasir Ahmad, a resident.

People said the shortage of medical staff forces patients to travel long distances to other hospitals for treatment. “Only two doctors are posted at NTPHC Lalpora, which is not sufficient for a population of over 30,000,” residents said, adding that the facility lacks even basic amenities.

The hospital caters to residents of more than two dozen villages, including Lalpora, Krusan, Darpora, Gundmacher, Rednag, Hayatpora, and Dardpora, but continues to operate with minimal staff and limited services.

Locals said an X-ray machine has been lying unused for years due to the absence of a technician. “It has never been put to use since installation,” said a resident, adding that the hospital’s ambulance is operational only during the day. “With just one driver available, patients in need of emergency care at night are forced to hire private cabs to reach SDH Sogam or Kupwara,” he said.

Residents also complained about the absence of a gynaecologist, which has severely affected pregnancy care services. Expectant mothers, they said, are compelled to seek treatment from private clinics or distant hospitals.

They also urged the authorities to establish a dedicated power line for the hospital from the nearby Krusan receiving station to ensure uninterrupted electricity.

The residents appealed to Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb Suse to intervene and direct the Health Department to fill all vacant posts, including that of a dental surgeon, so that the long-pending grievances of the people are addressed at the earliest.