Lack of staff, facilities hamper healthcare in PHC Ashtangoou

 

Several posts lying vacant, patients suffer

Sajid Raina

Bandipora, Feb 11 (KNO): An acute shortage of doctors and other paramedical staff at Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ashtaangoo area in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has come under severe criticism with the patients alleging it to be a reason of immense hardships.

According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the locals visiting the PHC alleged that the claims being made by the authorities regarding better health care in Valley hospitals have fallen flat on the ground.

“The PHC was established in 2008, but since then there is no up gradation and is running without proper facilities, leaving patients with no option but to go out of the area for simple treatment,” locals visiting the hospital said.

“We are facing problems as there is no doctor available in the Health Centre. Now, everybody here prefers to visit district hospital Bandipora in wake of the lack of facilities and staff,” Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Ashtangoou village said.

Sources said that number of posts is lying vacant in PHC including pharmacist, lab technician, female staff, x-ray technician and others.

Despite repeated attempts Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora, Tajamul Hussain could not be contacted for the comments as he didn’t respond to the repeated phone calls.

Meanwhile, another health official assured that the issues will be resolved as soon as possible. (KNO)