Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Sep 23: Residents of Lowang area of Bani medical block in Kathua district complained about lack of facilities at NTPHC.
The residents said that sub-centre Lowang was upgraded to NTPHC a few years ago but it faces staff shortage and other facilities.
Mushtaq Ahmad, a local, said that paramedical staff is posted at the centre and it is functioning like a dispensary.
He said that this centre witnesses rush on Wednesday for immunization purposes only and almost none visits the rest of the days.
Locals from Lowang, Khurrwah, Badhyal, Baugh, Selli, Halla and Chunchli areas said that without first aid and immunization, no other facilities are available at the hospital due to which locals are forced to visit SDH Bani that is about 16 kilometres from Lowang area.
They added they will visit Bani in absence of facilities at Lowang and it costs them both time and money.
They urged the government to equip the centre with facilities and post doctors so that they aren’t forced to visit other hospitals for minor treatments.
They also demanded repairing of the building and upgrading of the health centre.
“The government must at least post a doctor there. Besides, laboratories must be started so that people of around six villages with a population in thousands won’t suffer anymore,” they said.
Locals said that they have brought up the issue in the notice of higher ups many times but nothing happened.
They have sought attention of Director Health and other concerned authorities in this regard.
A health official said that they have recently written to higher ups to fill the post of vacant doctor.
“We have also requested higher ups to sanction one post of MTS and sanitation worker for the centre so that locals won’t suffer anymore,” he added.
He assured that the centre will get facilities soon and people will get treatment at their doorsteps.
