Kulgam, Sept 09: A deteriorating structure currently houses the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) in Damhal Hanjipora, presenting a grim picture of healthcare services in the area. For the past 13 years, efforts to complete its construction have been in vain, leaving the hospital to function as a pitiable 10-bed facility for a population exceeding one lakh.
Residents express their disappointment, highlighting that the hospital’s operations are housed within an aged structure, with only some rooms including the rooms of a police building serving as makeshift treatment areas. The original plan for a new and improved infrastructure for the SDH, sanctioned in 2010, never reached fruition.
“The hospital’s functionality is akin to that of a primary health center. Although construction began in 2010, the chosen location as was said lacked proper access roads. Subsequently, a new construction site was chosen, but to this day, the facility operates from the old structure,” Adv Amjid Rashid said.
According to Adv Amjid, the medical staff consistently delivers exemplary performance, particularly during the challenging winter months.
The local community laments the apparent lack of attention from politicians representing the area. The sudden choice of a construction site was deemed inaccessible only adds to the irony surrounding the situation.
Patients visiting the hospital frequently find themselves referred to the district hospital, further straining an already overwhelmed healthcare system. Adding to the woes, the SDH lacks essential medical professionals, notably a gynaecologist. The responsibility falls on the lady medical officer, who shoulders the duties. Anticipating mothers are routinely referred to the district hospital in Kulgam due to these limitations, a local said.
“Apart from gynaecologist, consultant, orthopaedic, anaesthesia like post is vacant at the Sub-District Hospital, D H Pora,” he said.
This prolonged struggle for an upgraded hospital structure showcases the challenges and disparities faced by the local population in accessing proper healthcare services.
An official from the hospital acknowledged that the hospital faces a space crunch in the old building, and work on new infrastructure is still pending.
“The hospital functions as a sub-district hospital, but it is limited to just 10 beds. The construction of new infrastructure has been delayed. Although we have a lady medical officer who looks after such patients, there is no gynaecologists,” the official added.
Despite several attempts by Rising Kashmir to reach the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Kulgam, he did not answer the calls. The story will be updated as soon as the officer provides a response.
A senior administrative officer told Rising Kashmir that the ongoing hospital construction work is set to resume soon.
“The building project has secured funding in this year’s UT capex budget, addressing a long-standing demand. We are optimistic that work will commence soon,” he added.
