Shortage of doctors at the New Type Primary Health Centre in Ashtengoo village of Bandipora district has not only marred its functioning but created problems for patients, residents said.
The centre, which caters to the people in about sevenvillages, is equipped with modern facilities but the shortage of doctors hadbadly affected its functioning.
“There are only two doctors posted in the health center thattoo from ISM and NHM and one dental surgeon. Even though a woman doctor and anMBBS doctor were posted, they have managed posting at the district hospitalBandipora for their own convenience at the cost of the poor villagers,” saidZameer Ahmad, a resident.
People of the seven villages—Ashtengoo, Kanibathi, Kehnusa,Aloosa, Binlipora, Ketsen and Malangam—are left with no option but to visitBandipora or Sopore for even minor ailments.
“We have raised the issue several times with the authoritiesconcerned. We have even submitted a grievance to Governor’s grievance cell butwe are yet to get any response and relief,” said a local resident.
Chief medical officer Bandipora Dr Tajamul said that thematter has been taken up with the authorities concerned and the staff will besent back to the center.