Absence of doctors, staff hits patient care at PHC in Bandipora

Bandipora, Aug 6: The residents of Ashtangoo area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district here have complained of dearth of staff at Primary Health Centre (PHC) in their area, which according to them has affected the patient-care.
The locals said that the lack of staff and proper healthcare facilities in PHC which was established in 2008 is forcing them to shift patients to District Hospital or other private hospitals even for minor ailments.
Besides, the locals said that the PHC is functioning without basic equipment due to which the patients are suffering. “Forget about the lab technician, x-ray technician and a pharmacist, a single doctor does not perform his duties here,” Abdul Majeed, a local said.
“Several complaints have been submitted by residents regarding the staff shortage in the PHC. However, nothing has been done. The doctors deputed at PHC attend their duties only when any official from administration visits for inspection here,” Nowshad Hussain, another local said.
He further said that though many social activists and other authorities have intervened, nothing has changed as of now.
A room marked ‘X-Ray’ is locked, the locals said, adding that it is not in use for several years while other sections are suffering a similar fate.
Meanwhile, the locals have appealed to Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to look into the matter and depute sufficient staff to the health center.
However, an official have assured that a doctor will be appointed soon.