Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Apr 15: The residents of South Kashmir’s Shopian district here have urged the government to establish a dedicated maternity hospital at the old fruit mandi site in Arhama.
Citing a lack of adequate maternal healthcare facilities, the locals that hardships are faced by expecting mothers, who often have to be rushed to Srinagar even for minor complications due to the absence of proper infrastructure in the district.
They said that referral on minor issues often raise questions on the credibility of the doctors, who often are forced to refer patients in absence of proper facilities.
The locals said that there is an urgent need for a specialized facility to ensure safe deliveries and comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care.
“With the increasing population and rising demand for maternity services, the existing healthcare infrastructure is falling short,” said Junaid Ahmad, a local resident.
He said that the now-vacant old fruit mandi site, which was shifted to Aglar two years before, offers ample space for such a facility. “We have already submitted a memorandum to the government. The site is ideal and readily available for immediate development,” said Mitha Gatoo, a local social activist.
Gatoo stressed that the establishment of a maternity hospital would significantly reduce maternal mortality rates, improve access to antenatal care, and contribute to the well-being of both mothers and newborns. “It will foster a healthier community,” he added.
Locals said that they have already brought this issue into the notice of concerned authorities several times and are hopeful about considering this demand.
They believe the proposed facility would be a critical step toward improving maternal and child health in the region.
Despite previous appeals, locals say there has been no tangible progress. They are now once again urging the administration to act promptly. “We are hopeful that the authorities will prioritize this genuine demand and take swift steps to sanction and start construction of the maternity hospital,” locals said.
Meanwhile, a health official said that the demand has already brought into the notice of concerned authorities but the government is taking decisions after taking various parameters into consideration. (KNO)
