NTPHC Kutlari lacks staff, diagnostic facilities; residents suffer

Kupwara, Oct 9: Residents of Kutlari Mawer in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district are up in arms against the authorities due to the lack of adequate staff and basic diagnostic facilities at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Kutlari, leaving people in the area high and dry.

Residents stated that although a two-story building was constructed a few years ago for this health centre, the shortage of staff and other facilities has made life difficult for the villagers of Kutlari, Khudi, Hydermali, Drungsoo, Shahnagri, Mawer Balla, Darzi Mohalla, and Sanzipora.

They expressed concerns that the health centre is inadequately staffed, severely impacting patient care. Of the two allotted doctors, only one is fulfilling duties at NTPHC Kutlari, and even that is only for a few days.

Pregnancy care has also been adversely affected due to the absence of a gynecologist, resulting in severe hardships for women in the area, especially during winters.

In the absence of pregnancy care, female patients are compelled to visit the Primary Health Centre in Qalamabad or the Sub District Hospital in Handwara for treatment.

Residents also complained about the lack of a dental surgeon. After the newly constructed multi-story building was taken over by the health department, they were promised that a sophisticated dental ward would be established; however, locals reported that neither the ward has been created nor a dental surgeon appointed after several years.

Furthermore, due to the absence of X-ray and basic diagnostic testing facilities, patients are forced to visit Handwara, which places a significant economic burden on them.

“We cannot understand why, if our health centre was upgraded to NTPHC, the higher officials of the health department are playing with our emotions by not providing basic diagnostic tests,” said a local resident.

Locals pointed out that since most areas served by NTPHC Kutlari are hilly, and many residents are part of the labor class who cannot afford private transportation during medical emergencies, an ambulance at NTPHC Kutlari is essential; yet, they have been deprived of this service as well.

Residents have repeatedly brought these grievances to the attention of the concerned officials, but no concrete action has been taken so far.

They sought the immediate intervention of MP Er Rashid in this matter, urging the LG administration to upgrade the existing facilities for better healthcare at NTPHC Kutlari.