PHC Sirhama struggles to serve 10,000 villagers amid acute doctor shortage

Anantnag, Nov 29: The Primary Health Centre (PHC) in the Sirhama area of Bijbehara, is grappling with a severe shortage of medical staff, leaving over 10,000 residents struggling for care.

Despite its critical role in providing healthcare to Sirhama, Sheetipora, Khiram, Shalgam, Mahand, and Nowshera, the facility operates with only two sanctioned medical officer posts.

A health official revealed that one of these medical officers, a female doctor, has been reassigned to PHC Marhama, while the other has been on extended sick leave.

As a result, the PHC currently relies on a National Health Mission (NHM) doctor and a medical officer from NTPHC Waghama to manage daily operations.

“In emergencies, a female doctor from the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) program, which focuses on child health screening and early intervention, steps in during night shifts,” the official said.

However, this temporary arrangement falls short of addressing the persistent staffing issue.

The shortage of female doctors is particularly concerning for expectant mothers, who are often compelled to seek care at the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) in Bijbehara.

“The absence of a female doctor at PHC Sirhama makes it difficult for pregnant women to receive timely care, leading to undue stress and travel,” a medic said.

He stressed the need for a long-term staffing solution rather than temporary fixes.

“Building infrastructure without ensuring adequate staffing defeats the purpose of healthcare expansion,” he said.

In-charge Block Medical Officer (BMO) Bijbehara, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed, acknowledged the issue and assured that internal adjustments have been made to keep the hospital functioning. “The local MLA has issued directives for staff rationalization, and a comprehensive exercise will be undertaken soon,” Dr Mushtaq said.