Kupwara, Sep 02 (KNO): Residents of Nagri and its adjacent areas in Kupwara Saturday said that they are suffering in absence of the proper medical facilities at NTPHC.
The lone New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) at Nagri residents said it is catering to a population of close to 2000 souls.
Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO, the aggrieved residents said that they have approached authorities multiple times to upgrade the facilities at NTPHC with other diagnostics services as well.
They said that the close to dozen villages are dependent on the lone health centre in the area. "It doesn't function round the clock. It must be made functional as per the requirements in the area," they said.
Ashiq Ahmad, a local while complaining about the lack of facilities, said that each time there is a medical emergency, patients are shifted to Handwara or Kupwara.
He said that the time has always proven detrimental for locals.
Abdul Ahad another local said that night sight quarters have already been constructed for doctors. "We fail to understand as to why the authorities are taking this long to approve round clock functioning of healthcare. People are very hopeful of the medical authority to make it happen as early as possible," Ahad said.
The residents are also anguished for lack of diagnostic facilities. They said that for even a small test they have to visit Kupwara or Handwara to carry out the test.
Another local, while expressing his anguish said that the health centre despite being upgraded to NTPHC level lacks X-ary plant thus causing people to suffer. "Even for an X-ray and other diagnostic tests our patients are made to go to Kupwara and Handwara. We are evn forced to approach the private diagnostics for tests, they charge a hefty amount and even times the reports are compromised," Jaleel Ahmad, a local said.
The residents also complained about the non-availability of dental surgeons. "We want health capabilities to be upgraded here. People are dependent on this sole health centre. We have approached the authorities multiple times. Difficulties faced by people must be eased at an earliest so that no patient has to suffer in times to come," they said.
They requested the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the health authorities to look into the matter—(KNO)