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Soibugh residents demand early completion, upgradation of PHC in Budgam

  • Arif Rashid By Arif Rashid
  • Comments 0
  • 11 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 10: Residents of Soibugh and its adjoining villages in central Kashmir’s Budgam district have urged the government to complete the unfinished portion of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) building and enhance healthcare facilities at the institution, which caters to a large population in the area.

Locals said construction of the new PHC building in Soibugh began nearly eight years ago but remains incomplete. According to them, the project was executed in two phases, with only one portion of the structure completed while work on the remaining section has been left unfinished.

Mohammad Isaaq Wani, a resident of Soibugh, said the government had allocated significant funds for the project, including the construction of a basement and partial infrastructure. “While the first phase of the building was completed, the second phase remains pending despite substantial expenditure,” he said.

Wani said that the PHC, established in 1962, is among the oldest in Budgam district but has not been upgraded over the decades. “Most PHCs in the district have been upgraded to Sub-District Hospitals, but Soibugh continues to lag behind. There is also no adequate parking space at the facility,” he added.

The health centre caters to more than 25 villages, serving an estimated population of around 76,000. Residents expressed concern over outdated medical equipment, stating that the facility still relies on old X-ray and ultrasound machines, leading to delays in diagnostic services.

“We need digital X-ray and modern ultrasound facilities, as patients are forced to wait for long hours due to outdated machinery,” Wani said.

Locals also raised the issue of inadequate staffing at the PHC, which operates round the clock. “Despite being a 24×7 facility, there is a shortage of medical staff, which affects patient care,” he said, adding that villagers have already donated land for future expansion if the centre is upgraded.

Another resident pointed out that despite government claims of improving rural healthcare, the Soibugh PHC has not seen any significant upgrade in over six decades. He also noted disparities in development compared to other areas in Budgam.

Residents further said that the PHC lacks essential facilities, including surgical services, forcing patients to travel to Srinagar hospitals or District Hospital Budgam for treatment.

“We have repeatedly approached the concerned authorities regarding the completion of the building and improvement of services, but no action has been taken so far,” a local resident said, adding that the demand reflects the needs of the entire population dependent on the centre.

The residents have appealed to the Deputy Commissioner Budgam and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and address the issue on priority.

An official from the health department said that construction of the remaining portion of the PHC building has been cancelled. However, the official added that steps are being taken to upgrade the existing X-ray facility to a digital system.

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