Wit of Govt must prevail’: Irfan Hafiz Lone seeks restoration of night services at PHC Kalantra

Srinagar, Oct 30: Congress MLA from Wagoora constituency in Baramulla district, Advocate Irfan Hafiz Lone, on Thursday urged the government to restore night services at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Kalantra, which have remained suspended despite operating for nearly two decades.

Raising the issue during the supplementary session of the Legislative Assembly, Lone said the suspension of night services has caused immense inconvenience to people in the area who earlier depended on the facility for emergency medical care.

He said the issue reflects the confusion created by what he termed as a “dual control system” in Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare administration. “When people approach the Health Department, they are told to contact GMC Baramulla, and when they go to GMC Baramulla, they are redirected to the Health Department,” Lone told the House.

The MLA said that despite the Health and Medical Education Minister issuing clear directions for the resumption of night services after the issue was raised before the cabinet, the instructions remain unimplemented.

“The wit of the elected government must prevail in this case. You have issued instructions for resumption of night services at PHC Kalantra, and the government must ensure that these orders are implemented,” Lone said.

He demanded that the government hold the concerned department accountable for stopping night services that had been functional for 20 years.

Lone also raised concerns about the slow progress on the receiving station project in his constituency.

During the same session, MLA Khan Sahib Saif-ud-Din Bhat called for reopening of tourist spots in his constituency, saying that people dependent on tourism for their livelihood were facing hardships due to selective restrictions.