PHC Dangiwacha paralysed by staff shortage, locals renew demand for SDH status

Sopore, Dec 3: Residents of Dangiwacha in the Rafiabad belt are raising alarm over the deteriorating healthcare situation at the local Primary Health Centre, citing an acute shortage of essential medical staff and inadequate facilities.

The PHC continues to operate without key specialists, including a gynaecologist, paediatrician and surgeon, forcing patients—particularly women, children and those requiring emergency care—to travel long distances to GMC Baramulla for treatment.

Locals said the lack of functional healthcare has become a daily struggle.

They stressed that even minor emergencies require travelling several kilometres, and demanded that PHC Dangiwacha be upgraded to a Sub-District Hospital for the benefit of the entire belt.

Residents also expressed frustration over the non-functional X-ray plant, which remains unused due to the absence of a trained technician despite being fully equipped. The USG service, available only four times a month, has left expectant mothers and other patients distressed and uncertain.

They have appealed to the Jammu & Kashmir Government, the Health Minister and the Secretary Health to upgrade the facility and ensure the timely posting of essential doctors and staff.

An official at PHC Dangiwacha confirmed that a proposal for upgradation has already been submitted to the government. The official acknowledged that several posts remain vacant but said gynaecologist and paediatrician services are being provided on a rotational basis by doctors from other blocks.

Locals, however, maintain that temporary arrangements are insufficient and urge the administration to take urgent steps to strengthen healthcare services in the area.