Srinagar, June 25: The much-awaited building of the Primary Health Center (PHC) at Maharaj Gunj in Shehar-e-Khaas is awaiting completion since 2017.
The building in which this primary health center was earlier housed was around 150 years old when it was demolished.
In early 2018, the PHC was shifted to a nearby public park as the original building was demolished during the PDP-BJP government. The makeshift PHC has over 20 sub-centers under its jurisdiction. The locals said that around 5 lakh population is dependent on the makeshift PHC which lacks basic facilities.
“Just after the construction of its basic structure, the work was halted by authorities citing various issues. Being the only PHC in downtown, it holds a vital position as we can’t go to SMHS and other major hospitals for every little health issue and health examination,” locals said.
“Every area has a PHC of its own and in the heart of the city we are lacking the required infrastructure,” said Ayaz Zehgeer, Chief Organizer, Beopar Mandal trade body.
“The work was started positively a few years back but the technical and budgetary issues led to the delay. There were also multiple lockdowns in the past few years which also resulted in the delay,” an official said.
SE, R&B department, Qayoom Kirmani told Greater Kashmir that issues related to cost and design caused some delay. He said the department has finalized all the formalities to restart the work in full swing.
“There were some changes in the construction of the building which led to increase in the budget. Now we are done with the basic structure of the building and the internal work is outstanding. We have been making site visits and have met district administration so that work can be started swiftly. The work will restart within a month,” Kirmani said.