NTPHC Kutlari faces acute staff shortage, key facilities defunct
Kupwara, Dec 3: Residents of Kutlari Mawer in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have expressed strong resentment over the acute shortage of staff and the absence of basic diagnostic facilities at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Kutlari, leaving thousands of people in the area without essential healthcare services.
Locals said that although a new two-storey building was constructed for the health centre a few years ago, the lack of manpower and essential facilities has rendered it ineffective. Villagers from Kutlari, Khudi, Hydermali, Drungsoo, Shahnagri, Mawer Balla, Darzi Mohalla and Sanzipora continue to suffer due to the poor functioning of the centre.
Residents said the health facility is severely understaffed and that neither of the two allotted MBBS doctors is posted at NTPHC Kutlari. Instead, an ISM doctor has been deputed, affecting overall patient care.
Pregnancy-related care has also taken a hit due to the absence of a gynaecologist. Women, particularly during harsh winters, are compelled to travel to PHC Qalamabad or GMC Handwara for even basic maternal healthcare services.
The locals also complained about the lack of a dental surgeon. They said that after the new building was taken over by the health department, they were promised a fully equipped dental ward. However, neither the ward has been established nor has a dental surgeon been appointed, even after several years.
Residents said the absence of an X-ray facility and basic diagnostic tests forces patients to travel to Handwara, burdening them with additional expenses. “If our health centre has been upgraded to NTPHC, then why are we still deprived of basic diagnostic services?” a local asked.
Given that the areas served by NTPHC Kutlari are hilly and the population mostly consists of labourers who cannot afford private transport during emergencies, residents said the absence of an ambulance has further compounded hardships.
Despite repeatedly raising these issues with the concerned officials, locals said no concrete action has been taken so far. They have sought the intervention of MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed and appealed to the Health Minister to upgrade the existing services and ensure adequate staffing and diagnostic facilities at NTPHC Kutlari.
