Residents demand x-ray, permanent lab technician at Keran PHC

Kupwara, Nov 30: The residents of heavy snow bound Keran area of this frontier district have urged the administration to appoint an x-ray technician at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) so that the x-ray plant in the hospital is made operational.

The residents said that the PHC Keran had an x-ray plant installed a few years back, however, due to non-availability of an x-ray technician, the plant is defunct and patients have to move to Kupwara for x-rays. They said that the hospital also possesses an ECG machine but that has never been put to use due to lack of the technician.

“We are forced to move to Kupwara by covering over 50 kilometres to perform x-ray. Had the facility been available at PHC Keran we would not have to visit Kupwara,” former BDC Keran Mohammad Syed told Greater Kashmir.

“Going Kupwara has never been easy for the people because it not only consumes the whole day but we have to spend Rs 500 as cab fare. It really takes a toll on us because of our feeble economic conditions. In the absence of an x-ray technician, the x-ray plant is eating dust. The authorities must appoint a technician here so that people of the area are benefitted at large,” he added.

Lack of a permanent lab technician also hampers the smooth functioning of the hospital. “Block Medical Officer (Kralpora) has posted a lab technician on temporary basis who visit the health centre on few days in a week but that does not suffice the need of patients,” Syed told this correspondent.

The residents demanded posting of a gynaecologist here so that the hardships being faced by the pregnant women of the area may end.

“After the labour room was established at PHC Keran we were hopeful about posting of a gynaecologist here but our hopes dashed with each passing day. Lack of a dental surgeon and technician also hampers smooth functioning of the hospital,” locals added.

The residents said that during a recent Awami Darbar held by Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Trehgam Mir Saifullah these issues were brought into his notice. They hoped of getting these issues redressed very soon so that the hardships being faced by them may end.