Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Jun 1: The residents of the Rahmoo area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are facing challenges due to the lack of facilities at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Rahmoo. Despite being established in 2002, the PHC has not been fully equipped to meet the healthcare needs of the local population, causing immense suffering for thousands of people.
Situated about ten kilometres from the district headquarters in Pulwama, the PHC in Rohmoo village has been unable to provide adequate healthcare services, forcing patients to seek treatment either at the district hospital or private clinics, locals said.
While the existing staff is doing their best, the shortage of personnel is severely impacting healthcare delivery, they added.
Mohammad Akbar, a local resident, said the PHC caters to a population of at least 40,000 people, but it is lacking in several essential facilities. “Although two buildings are nearly complete, a third building remains unfinished with no work done for years. The completion of these buildings is crucial to improving healthcare services,” he said.
Qayoom Khan, another resident, said that Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom’s intervention led to some progress on the second storey of the main building, which is now almost ready. “However, the electricity supply remains weak, hindering the PHC’s operations,” he said, adding that recently, two heart attack patients were unable to receive ECGs due to the absence of a technician, which resulted in delays that could have been critical.
The locals said their efforts have secured a 300 mA X-ray machine for the hospital, but it has been non-operational for the past year due to the need for a three-phase electricity connection and a qualified technician.
They added that the lack of proper road connectivity and an incomplete bridge delays access to the District Hospital Pulwama, which increases the strain on patients and their families.
Residents said they have repeatedly raised these issues with higher authorities, yet no action has been taken. They have now appealing to the Lieutenant Governor to address these concerns and ensure the PHC is equipped with the necessary facilities.
An official from the health department said that the PHC has enough staff to operate from 10 am to 4 pm. He, however, acknowledged that running 24×7 services requires additional personnel.
The official also said that there is a need for a three-phase electricity connection and a technician to operate the X-ray and ECG machines.
“The issue has been brought to the attention of higher authorities, and the department is hopeful for positive steps to be taken soon,” he said.
