Pattan, Aug 9: In a glaring example of official apathy, the Jammu and Kashmir government seems to be least concerned about the establishment of a much-needed Trauma Centre here even as the work on it started six years ago. The delay in its construction is notwithstanding recurring transfer of trauma patients, both with minor and major traumas, to Srinagar hospitals from the health centres in north Kashmir areas, many of whom die in transit.
In 2004, the then coalition government led by Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayed promised that the Trauma Centre would be completed in a year. But it missed the deadline. It took two years for the executing agency to construct the plinth of the centre, spread over 40 kanals of land at Babteng Pattan. In the meantime, a row erupted between the executing agency and the government over the availability of funds, causing delay in its further construction.
Locals said in April 2008, then Finance Minister Tariq Hamid Qarra visited Pattan and held an Awami Durbar (Public Meeting). “He called then Director Health Services Kashmir and some top officials of the district, asking them to complete the project by October 2008 or face the consequences,” they said. But this deadline too was missed.
As if it were not enough, the fall of the the government following 2008 Amarnath land row gave a severe jolt to its completion. Now it was for the next government to look after the project.
But work on the centre is on at a snail’s pace with only two floors complete at the moment. Only a few labourers are seen working. “In 2004, the government had estimated that the project would cost Rs 8 crores, but due to continued incompletion, the cost estimation has gone up,” said a source in the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir.
A medico, having adequate knowledge about handling trauma cases, said the establishment of Pattan trauma centre would be of crucial help to trauma patients of north Kashmir. “This time we see all the patients being referred to Srinagar hospitals. If we have a level two or level there trauma centre in Pattan, it would minimize trauma casualties,” the medico said.
He, however, said the government must put in place requisite infrastructure and only trauma specialists in the Centre once it comes up. “This time the trauma centres in Kangan and Qazigund have general staff with minimal trauma infrastructure. You need trauma specialists to handle trauma cases if you really mean business,” he said. “Otherwise having such centres won’t serve any purpose. These centres can serve as referral centres where patients can be referred to the upcoming Trauma Hospital at Shreen Bagh Srinagar.”
The medico asserted that the government must come out with a vision document about these centres and ensure that they are manned by quality manpower. “Otherwise they are as good as dispensaries,” he said.
When contacted, the Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Muhammad Amin said, “Since last year there is no delay in its construction. We are hopeful to see the construction work complete by March 2011. We have earmarked adequate funds for the project.”

Lastupdate on : Mon, 9 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 9 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST