Ganderbal, Aug 10: The Primary Health Center (PHC) in Hariganiwan, located in the Kangan block of Ganderbal district, is grappling with a staff shortage, leaving the local community in distress. Despite repeated appeals to the Health Department, no significant action has been taken to address the issue.
Local residents said that they have repeatedly informed higher authorities about the lack of doctors including gynaecologist paramedical staff at the PHC. However, these concerns have largely been ignored. The situation is particularly dire on Sundays, when the PHC remains closed, forcing patients to seek medical care at other hospitals in the district. This is despite the fact that other hospitals in Ganderbal are staffed and operational on Sundays.
Residents also reported that doctors do not stay at the PHC during night hours, leaving patients from remote areas like Mammer, Kachpathri, Gichkhoad, Ganiwan, Surfraw, and nearby villages with no option but to travel to hospitals in Kangan, Ganderbal, or even Srinagar for treatment of minor ailments. The lack of staff is causing significant inconvenience, especially during emergencies, when the time spent traveling to distant hospitals could be critical.
Former Sarpanch of the area, Taj Khatana, said that there are only two to three doctors available at the PHC, who are expected to cater to several villages. He added that while the hospital is well-equipped, the lack of staff forces residents to seek medical help elsewhere. Khatana has urged the Health Department to take immediate steps to resolve the staffing issues.
“In times of emergency, we are left with no choice but to travel long distances for even simple treatments. This could be dangerous, especially in critical situations,” said one local resident.
In response, an official from the Health Department acknowledged the issue and assured that steps would be taken to ensure the public does not face further difficulties.
