The Bonakoot sub-centre in Bandipora was upgraded to new type primary health centre (NTPHC) four years ago, but it lacks all the basic facilities.
Theresidents of Bonakoot said they have been deceived by the authorities about theupgradation of the centre promising to provide all the required facilities anNTPHC must have.
“But in reality, the healthcentre is still functioning as a sub-centre despite a signboard of NTPHCinstalled on the three-room ramshackle building in 2015. The authorities havedeceived us saying the sub-centre has been upgraded and it will be providedwith all the facilities,” said Nazir Ahmad, a local resident.
The villagers said that the health center has no facilitiesdespite the fact that it caters to a huge population of more than five villagesincluding Bonakoot, Panar, Tanghat, Athwatoo, and Vewan.
“The health center is functioning from a three-roomramshackle building which itself speaks volumes about the claims of theauthorities. There is no doctor posted in this health facility,” said anotherlocal resident, Mohammad Sidiq.
He said that in 2015 the then CMO had removed the sub-centersignboard with that of NTPHC to give an impression that it has been upgraded.”But in reality the health center has been upgraded on papers only as it has nofacilities of an NTPHC.”
The residents said that the health center doesn’t have evenspace for an ambulance and they have to keep it in the lawns of a residentialhouse.
The statement of the villagers was corroborated by thestaff, saying that it has been upgraded only on papers as they still receivethe medical supply as that of a sub-centre.
“The staff and facilities here are that of a sub-centre. Wehave a supervisor pharmacist, junior pharmacist, 2 FMPHWs, helper, sweeper andan ambulance driver here while an NTPHC must have a lady doctor, staff nurse,lab technician and an X-ray technician over and above the sub-centre staff,” anemployee posted in the centre said.
He said that NTPHC must also have an X-ray lab andlaboratory.
Block medical officer Bandipora, Dr. Syed Rahman,acknowledged that the health centre has been upgraded only on papers.
“Government is in the process of creating posts and otherrequired facilities for these upgraded health centres. In coming months therequired staff and facilities will be approved for these newly upgradedcentres,” he assured.