Shopian, Oct 22 (KNO): Residents of Watchi village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have expressed concern over the shortage of medical staff and absence of basic diagnostic facilities at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC), alleging that the institution continues to fall short of providing essential healthcare services despite its upgradation several years ago.
Locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that only two employees—one doctor and one Female Multi-Purpose Health Worker (FMPHW)—have been posted against five sanctioned posts at the health centre, leaving the facility inadequately staffed to cater to the healthcare needs of the local population.
They said the centre was upgraded from a sub-centre to an NTPHC several years ago, while its new building was inaugurated in January 2020. However, residents alleged that the upgradation has failed to translate into improved healthcare services, as the institution continues to lack essential diagnostic equipment and adequate manpower.
The residents said the absence of basic testing facilities, including routine blood tests, urine analysis and other common investigations, has forced patients to visit healthcare institutions in Zainapora or Shopian even for minor ailments.
“Despite having a designated health centre in our area, we are unable to access basic diagnostic services here. Patients are often referred elsewhere for routine tests, causing unnecessary inconvenience and additional expenses, particularly for poor families,” said a local resident.
He said that although a doctor was posted at the facility earlier this year following repeated demands, the shortage of supporting staff and diagnostic equipment continues to hamper its functioning.
According to residents, around 50 patients visit the health centre daily, but the lack of adequate facilities prevents them from receiving comprehensive treatment and forces many to seek medical assistance elsewhere.
They said that a healthcare facility could not serve its intended purpose merely through the availability of a building and a doctor, stressing that adequate staff, diagnostic equipment and essential medical services were equally necessary.
“Five posts have been sanctioned for the centre, but only two employees are available. With just one doctor and one FMPHW, it becomes difficult to provide the range of services expected from an NTPHC,” another resident said.
Residents further said they had repeatedly brought the matter to the notice of the concerned authorities, seeking the deployment of additional staff and the establishment of basic diagnostic facilities, but alleged that their concerns had yet to be addressed.
They urged the Health Department to fill the vacant posts and equip the centre with essential testing facilities so that patients could receive basic healthcare services closer to home without having to travel to other towns.
The residents also appealed to the higher authorities to intervene and ensure that the health centre functions according to its designated capacity, particularly for people who depend on public healthcare facilities for routine medical needs.
Meanwhile, officials said they had taken up the matter with higher authorities, adding that the concerns regarding the functioning of the health centre had been communicated to them—(KNO)