Palpora/Srinagar, Sept 27: The Urban Primary Health Centre in Palpora area of Srinagar which falls in Zone S.R Gunj is in shambles evoking widespread resentment from the locals.
Abdul Rashid Ganaie, a resident said the new building which is in shambles was constructed in 2000 and till date the structure remains in shambles.
There is another old building near the UPHC where from it functions partly and only some rooms of the new building are functional and rest are in shambles.
“Since the construction, its roofing was not done which also became a reason why it has suffered huge damage and there was no one to look after,” he said.
The people of Palpora and nearby areas have been suffering due to a lack of facilities at the hospital. The building lacks fencing, allowing free access to dogs and other animals.
Ghulam Mohammad Ganaie, a senior citizen of the village said over the past 24 years the hospital building remains unused and it has also suffered damage.
“It was the main hospital here. It has become a site for stray dogs and animals as one can spot garbage and trash in its premises giving it a shabby look,” he said.
The residents said that the Health Department Kashmir has failed to post the required staff for the facility which caters to dozens of villages having a population of 30,000 people.
“Due to lack of basic facilities our patients are compelled to visit Srinagar hospitals for minor ailments which is often unaffordable for poor patients,” he said.
The residents requested Administrative Secretary Health and Medical Education Department and Director Health Services Kashmir to look into the matter and sent a team of officials to survey the requirements like repairing and fencing.
They demanded that the hospital should be upgraded and required staff like doctors and paramedical staff should be posted so that patients do not suffer.
The locals also said previously, post the construction of the hospital building the construction work had stopped due to lack of funds and nothing had been done over the years to renovate the vital health facility.
Chief Medical Officer, Srinagar, Dr Tahir Sajad said a team of senior officers and officials has visited the hospital and they have taken on ground assessment of the issues. He said the department has geared up to renovate the hospital and is also working on a DPR for the same.
“I have met Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Chief Planning Officer in this regard. We want to upgrade it. We will revalidate the new DPR which is already made and hopefully we get it approved as soon as possible,” he said.
