Ailing Health Care System: Locals protest against ‘mess’ at Urban Health Centre Mehjoor Nagar

Srinagar, Nov 15: Locals in Mehjoor Nagar area of Srinagar city Monday held a protest against the ‘mess’ and ‘mismanagement’ at Urban Health Centre.
The lone staff member at the Centre was ironically transferred after his bosses came to know that he was too candid and informed media about the mess prevailing at the Centre.
Local protesters said that Urban Primary Health Centre exists by name only in such a vast area like Mehjoor Nagar area of Srinagar city. They said even a paracetamol tablet is not available in the centre. They alleged that Zonal Medical Officer Batamaloo has created a ‘mess’ in the Centre and has not been paying any attention towards it citing Covid-19 engagements as reason.
“We have to purchase everything from outside as nothing is available at the Dispensary. This Dispensary was set up to take care of emergency cases, but we have to visit SMHS Hospital for everything,” said a local.
At least six employees were posted at the Dispensary but after the outbreak of Covid-19 only one employee managed the said Dispensary.
The locals appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Commissioner Secretary Health to look into the matter and take action against the officials for not listening to the people.
When asked about the non-availability of the medicine and staff in the Dispensary, the employee said that there is some problem in the System and a need to do something concrete to mitigate the sufferings of the people. The employee admitted that medicine is not available at the Dispensary.
Dr Sameena-ZMO Batamaloo said that medicines may be available at the Dispensary. She advised to talk to Chief Medical Officer Srinagar. When asked why the said employee was transferred shortly after he talked to media about the non-availability of the medicine, she said she doesn’t know anything about it.
Director Health Dr Mushtaq said he is busy in a meeting. (KNT)