NTPHC Sarmarg grapples with lack of doctor, other facilities

Kupwara, July 2: Five years back when Sarmarg health centre was upgraded to New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC), the people had high hopes of getting improved health facilities. But nothing like that happened, even authorities failed to depute a doctor here due to which people continue to suffer and are forced to visit Zachaldara or Handwara by travelling over thirty kilometers for treatment.

“We have now lost the hope of getting better health facilities after knocking at the door of every concerned official. At the time, our health centre was upgraded to NTPHC. We were told that proper staff along with machinery would be installed here but nothing like that happened in the following years. Even the hospital is running in an old damaged building posing threat to the staff and patients and nothing is being done regarding construction of a new building for the hospital,” Javid Ahmad, a local told Greater Kashmir.

“Leave the diagnostic facilities, even the hospital lacks an ambulance which really tells upon the locals. At the time of any medical emergency we are forced to book a private cab and pay Rs 1000 to shift the patients to Primary Health Centre (PHC) Zachaldara or District Hospital Handwara,” he added.

The residents said that they were unable to figure out why authorities were reluctant to depute doctors here. “We have been moving from pillar to post to get our genuine grievance redressed but to no avail,” they added.

They said that only two employees including a pharmacist and an MMPHW were posted here which according to locals do not suffice the needs thus affecting smooth functioning of the hospital.

They said that their area was aligned with Medical Block Ramhall which according to them was uncalled for because their village happens to be in Rajwar area which has its own Medical Block. "We are unable to figure out that if our village is aligned with Zachaldara Tehsil then why we have been kept with Medical Zone Ramhall when there is no connectivity between Sarmarg and Ramhall. We have given numerous representations to concerned authorities for aligning our village to Medical Block Rajwar but to no avail," Bilal Rasheed, a local youth told Greater Kashmir.