UTHC Bagi Islam Baramulla Violates New 9 to 5 Schedule, Patients Bear the Brunt of Poor Staffing

 

UMAR RASHID

Baramulla, July 28: Urban Training Health Centre (UTHC) Bagi Islam, situated in Old Town Baramulla, is facing widespread public criticism for failing to follow the government-mandated 9 AM to 5 PM timing for health institutions. Instead, the centre operates from 10 AM to 4 PM, causing distress to patients who arrive early for medical assistance but find the gates closed.

 

 

 

 

Despite being under the supervision of Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, the UTHC Department of Community Medicine continues to function with just 15 staff members, many of whom are unable to report on time due to internal coordination and lack of support infrastructure. The medical officer on duty acknowledged that the absence of a ward and watch staff member makes it difficult to open and close the facility on schedule.

“There is no responsible employee who opens this UTHC at 9 and closes it at 5. What can we do?” the medical officer responded when questioned about the violation of the new government timings.

The facility handles a daily patient footfall of 30 to 35, but struggles due to serious staff shortages. Currently, there is no registration clerk, no sweeper, no immunization staff, no dental doctor, and no X-ray technician.

While a USG machine is available at the centre, it remains functional only on Mondays, when a single technician from GMC Baramulla visits. A well-equipped X-ray unit also lies unused due to the absence of a trained professional. The laboratory remains incomplete and under-equipped, denying patients access to basic diagnostic testing.

The facility is also in an unhygienic condition, with locals pointing out dust, garbage, and even cow dung accumulating in the hospital lawn due to the absence of cleaning staff. Additionally, the ambulance service is non-operational, with residents claiming that the earlier ambulance has either gone missing or has been silently removed without any official explanation.

One resident said, “This hospital is vital for Old Town Baramulla, but it’s functioning like a ghost centre. We demand proper staff and services.”

Locals have urged the Health Minister of Jammu & Kashmir and the GMC Baramulla administration to immediately:

Ensure timely opening and closing of the facility as per the 9 to 5 government schedule,

Deploy essential medical and paramedical staff,

Provide a working ambulance with a driver

Improve the cleanliness and infrastructure of the UTHC.