Residents demand ENT, dermatologist for Kangan Sub-District Hospital

Kangan, Aug 25: Residents of Kangan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district have expressed concern over the absence of an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist and a Dermatologist at the Sub-District Hospital (SDH), which caters to a large population from remote and far-flung areas.The locals said the hospital witnesses a huge patient rush every day, yet continues to function without some essential specialists. “This hospital caters to people from remote areas including Gund, Wangath, Surfraw and adjoining villages. The absence of an ENT and Dermatologist is causing immense hardships to patients,” said Abdul Rashid, a local resident.Another villager, Shabir Ahmad, said patients are often forced to travel either to Ganderbal or Srinagar for treatment of ENT-related ailments or skin disorders. “Many poor patients cannot afford frequent travel to Srinagar. Having these specialists here would save both time and money,” he said.The locals urged the government, particularly the Health and Medical Education Department, to address the shortage. “We appeal to the Health Minister, Sakina Itoo, to intervene and ensure that an ENT specialist and a Dermatologist are posted at SDH Kangan at the earliest,” they said.They have appealed to MLA Kangan, Mian Mehar Ali, to take up this genuine issue and ensure better healthcare facilities for the people.