Constructed years ago; PHC Dangerpora, Sopore yet to be made functional

Sopore, Dec 27: Primary Health Centre (PHC) constructed years ago at Dangerpora village in north Kashmir’s Sopore is yet to be made functional with officials stating that some works are still incomplete besides there were lack of funds as well.
Locals said that the building was under construction for the past 15 years and was completed four years ago but it has not been made operational for reasons unknown.
“It was left abandoned around six years ago, following which it turned into a hub of illegal activities, besides a safe haven for drug peddlers,” they said.
“We are facing immense hardships in the absence of healthcare facilities. We have to travel at least 7 km in emergencies to reach Sub District Hospital (SDH) in Sopore town”, said Arsalan Ayub,” a local resident said.
Though the PHC is functional in Ayush building in the vicinity but doctors posted there hardly attend well on time or left early, thus taking hit on patient care during emergency times especially evening hours, he said.
“The building has been lying in shambles due to sheer negligence of the authorities. The structure is in complete shambles with broken windows and doors which apparently look like a ghost house,” said Lateef Ahmed, another local.
“The building was left midway after spending a crore of rupees, it has now become a safe haven for drug addicts,” said Lateef Ahmed, a local said. “In the premises of the building, one can find empty bottles of codeine (banned drug) and empty strips of drugs used by the addicts, who come in the evening hours mostly and involve in drug abuse, causing inconvenience for the passer-by.”
Locals, however, urged the Lieutenant Governor and district administration to intervene in the matter and direct the concerned officials to take immediate steps for the renovation work and made the PHC functional so that people may have respite from the hardships.
Meanwhile, Block Medical Officer Sopore, Dr Zulfiqar Sofi said that, the building so far has not been handed over to them because of some incomplete work.
Upon contacting, the Assistant Executive Officer R&B, Sopore, the official said, that the project was under the NABARD, however, the work is still incomplete due to lack of funds. “It has been years, the project has not received the funds. Almost Rs 30 lacs are pending to get the work done”, he said.