Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 11: The health facilities across Tangdhar in north Kashmir’s frontier Kupwara district, is presently on crutches as the medical block is facing a dearth of 60 per cent posts in the health care facilities, leaving the local populace to lurch at large.
As per the details available, out of 149 staff strength in the medical block, 90 positions are lying vacant.
Locals said the area remains cut off from the rest of the valley for months, and there should be extra staff for this block.
Despite repeated demands from the locals for the upgradation of SDH Tangdar to a 100-bedded facility, no action has been taken on the ground, they said, adding that the SDH lacks a permanent anesthetist, and critical medical specialists, including pediatrics, ENT and Ophthalmology, are absent while no gynecologist has been posted there.
During the summer, the patients can be shifted to areas with better facilities, but in winter, when the region is cut off, no such options are available, locals said.
They urged higher authorities to intervene to mitigate the sufferings of people especially during the winter months.
As per the details, the posts lying vacant at SDH Tangdar include consultant Anesthesia, Consultant Gynaecologist, 6 medical officers, supervisor lab technician, supervisor pharmacist, head lab technician, supervisor dental technician, supervisor x ray technician, junior theatre technician, chauffeur, senior driver, plumber junior grade nurses 2, safaiwala 2, electrician, junior physiotherapist, sanitary inspector and many others.
This information was disclosed through a Right to Information (RTI) file obtained by RTI activist MM Shuja.
The other institutions, which face staff shortage include PHC Gabra, PHC Chiterkote, PHC Teetwal, NTPHC Nachiyan, NTPHC Hajinar, NTPHC Shamspora, NTPHC Kandi and NTPHC Gundishort while same is the case of sub centres in the area.
PHC Teetwal is run by a junior pharmacist, FMPHW and Class IV employee while both posts of medical officers, dental surgeon, x-ray technician, dental technician, lab technician, health and family welfare assistant, one FMPHW, driver, Class IV post and Safaiwalla posts are lying vacant and the similar situation is being witnessed in the health centres across the block.
