Younus Rashid
Pulwama, May 17: Residents of Chandrigam village in Tral have alleged that the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Chandrigam is functioning without adequate staff and basic healthcare facilities, causing inconvenience to patients.
Locals said the health facility was upgraded to an NTPHC in 2014, but no new building was constructed and no additional staff was deployed as required for such a facility.
A representation submitted by the Village Welfare Committee Chandrigam to the Block Medical Officer (BMO) Tral stated that the centre has been functioning without a pharmacist since the retirement of the previously posted official in April 2025.
The committee also alleged that although a doctor is officially posted at the centre, the doctor has been directed to perform duties elsewhere, affecting healthcare delivery at the facility.
“They upgraded the facility to an NTPHC in 2014, but no new building was constructed and no staff as required for an NTPHC was deployed here,” alleged Aga Ayash, a local resident.
He said a pharmacist had been working at the centre until his retirement last year, after which no replacement was posted.
“By name it is an NTPHC, but in reality it functions merely as an immunization centre. Hardly any facility is available here and no concrete action has been taken for our convenience. We, the residents, continue to suffer due to the lack of healthcare services,” he added.
Locals urged the government and health authorities to strengthen the facility and ensure adequate staff for the convenience of the public.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Pulwama Dr Tahmeena Jameel said the local BMO has all details regarding the facility.
However, she said the department is facing a shortage of pharmacists due to retirements.
“Pharmacists who are retiring, we cannot do anything with that. There is a dearth of pharmacists and the hospital may be functional with MTS and FMPHW staff,” she said.
She added that the NTPHC does not have any sanctioned post for a general physician.
“NTPHC doesn’t have any post for general physician and is a sub-centre type facility mostly meant for immunization and first aid,” she added.