Saderkoot Bala villagers await hospital completion for over a decade

Bandipora, Oct 6: Villagers of Saderkoot Bala in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in completing the construction of the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC), citing severe hardships due to the absence of a nearby healthcare facility.

Residents said they had willingly donated ten kanals of land from the local Eidgah to the government several years ago, but the hospital project, which began in 2013, has yet to be completed. Despite being flagged among languishing projects, funding constraints and administrative delays have hindered progress.

“We donated land worth crores for the hospital. Construction began in 2013, and by 2018, a two-storey concrete structure was ready. Since then, the building has been largely abandoned, neglected, and even damaged by antisocial elements,” said Inayat Bhat, a local social activist.

Bhat said repeated requests and representations to concerned departments yielded little result. “Minor works resume occasionally but are quickly abandoned,” he added.

The villagers emphasised the hardships caused by the lack of a functional facility, forcing residents to travel to Hajin or Sumbal for even basic healthcare. “People falling sick at night have nowhere to go. Our single-room dispensary lacks doctors, equipment, and space—it is good for nothing,” Bhat said.

The residents also requested that the government designate the hospital as a trauma care facility to cater to casualties on Gurez, Bandipora, and Sumbal roads, but said the proposal has not been considered.

Chief Medical Officer Bandipora, Dr Ishtiyaq Naik, stated that funds for pending works have already been released, but the contractor has not expedited the construction. He added that the matter has been taken up with the Deputy Commissioner. Regarding the trauma centre demand, he said it is not under consideration at present.

The villagers urged authorities to ensure the timely completion of the NTPHC to meet the healthcare needs of Saderkoot Bala and the surrounding areas.