Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Jul 26: Even after 30 years, the authorities in Shopian district have failed to complete construction work of a new type primary health centre (NTPHC) in Imamsahib area.
Locals said that people of Imamsahib and around 30 adjacent villages are facing health care problems in absence of health care facilities in the area.
They said that the centre was sanctioned in the area in 1982 but due to callous attitude of authorities, the building of the centre is still awaiting for completion.
“Slab of the first story was laid in 2018 after a gap of many years but since then the work was halted again,” said Mohammad Ashraf , a local resident, adding that now building is complete, however, NTPHC continues to function in an old rented building.
He added that the people of Imamsahib, Barbugh. Chitterwac, Tarain, Heripora, Cheek Sangren, Bascochan, Nowpora, killoora, Malikgund, Malibugh, Kadgama, Mohanpora, Kohsoo, Dagepora, Chotipora, Manihal, Batpora, Kalipora, Aloora, Mazipora, Hillow, Handew, Narwani, Alishepora, Drawani, Hoshanpora, Urpora, Kanigam, Laddi, Sugu and adjoining village are suffering in absence of the basic health facilities.
“In absence of basic health care facilities we are forced to visit other hospitals which costs us more time and money,” Ashraf said.
Locals said that similar centers that were sanctioned after 2010 are functional but due to unknown reasons this one hasn’t been made functional yet.
They said that NTPHC is currently functioning in a small rented building where only one doctor is posted and has no facilities other than first aid.
“No beds, laboratory, x -ray facilities and staff are available at the centre due to which people are suffering,” they said.
“This area was ignored on all development fronts by successive governments and same is the approach of the governor administration,” locals said.
Officials said that the execution agency R&B and contractor had some issues which were settled after a long time.
Chief Medical Officer Shopian, Dr Arshid Ahmad Tak said that the executing agency is yet to hand over the building.
“The building is near completion and will take around one month to have all facilities available,” Tak said.
