Baramulla, Jan 18: Lack of basic facilities and manpower shortage at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Kunzer in this north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is affecting patient care services, residents said.
They said the decades-old health centre that caters to a huge population of the area was inadequately staffed due to which patient care has been badly hit.
Naseer Ahmad, a resident of Kunzer, said the hospital faces a shortage of doctors and paramedics due to which patients are compelled to visit SDH Magam, SDH Tagmarg and Srinagar hospitals for treatment of minor ailments.
The resident said that in the absence MRI machine, patient care services have been compromised. “MRI machine should be there as it receives a huge rush of patients across villages,” he said.
He appealed to the health department to post specialist doctors at the hospital. “Patients suffering from minor ailments are referred to Srinagar hospitals,” he said.
Another local resident Ahmad said the health centre needs to be upgraded to a sub-district hospital as it caters to a huge population.
“The whole area is dependent on this hospital. This is the main and central local health facility. It lacks basic facilities compelling patients to travel to long distances. Its upgradation is the need of the hour,” Ahmad said. He said the civil society of Kunzer had many times raised the issue of manpower shortage with the concerned health authorities but nothing has been done to date.
The hospital has 17 beds and receives more than 250 patients from various areas of Kunzer.
However, the locals appreciated the maternity services being provided by the hospital. “Normal deliveries are held on priority,” the residents said.
BMO Kunzer, Dr Ruqaya Showat said they have taken up the matter of upgradation including the construction of a new building and lack of manpower with the health department.
“We have identified land for the construction of the new building, and have written to the department regarding the vacant posts. We are hopeful of getting the approval soon,” Dr Ruqaya said.
The BMO said 25 to 26 normal deliveries are held in the hospital every month. “Recently, a woman gave birth to triplets and she was managed well,” she said.
