The residents of Magam and adjoining villages Wednesday complained about inadequate healthcare and lack of basic diagnostic facilities at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Magam in Handwara sub-district of north Kashmir.
The residents said that the health centre was inadequately staffed due to which patient care had been badly hit.
They blamed the concerned authorities for their “insensitive attitude” towards the centre and alleged that the health centre lacks basic infrastructure required for its smooth functioning.
The residents said that only a few paramedics and a few doctors were posted here which was telling upon the smooth functioning of the health centre established in 1987.
A local social activist Muhammad Shafi said that the centre was of no use because of lack of facilities and dearth of staff.
He said a handful of doctors and staff members were not sufficient for over 30 villages of Magam.
“I am unable to figure out how several paramedics and a doctor are drawing salary from this centre despite managing to attach themselves to different health centers,” Shafi alleged. “The authorities are doing nothing to make them accountable.”
People alleged that in absence of X-ray and diagnostic testing facilities here, patients prefer to visit the District Hospital Handwara or Kupwara.
“Due to non-availability of a gynecologist, pregnancy care is also hit badly and women of the area face severe hardships,” said Muhammad Amin of Tumpora.
The residents also complained about non-availability of a dental surgeon.
They said a year ago, the dental surgeon posted here was transferred but his replacement had not been sent.
The residents said that they have requested the concerned authorities and Lieutenant Governor ManojSinha to personally look into the matter and redress their grievances so that people may heave a sigh of relief.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Handwara, Nazir Ahmad said that he would take up the issue with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kupwara and the genuine grievances of the public would be redressed at the earliest.