Gurez healthcare paints grim reality, struggles with staff shortage, essential deficiencies

Sajid Raina

Bandipora, Jan 19 (KNO): The healthcare sector in Gurez area of North Kashmir’s border town paints a grim picture as it lacks several essential key posts, causing challenges for years.

Details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), three Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Bagtore, Sheikhpora, and Budugam lack X-ray technicians, despite being equipped with the necessary facilities for X-ray sections.

Also, these health centers have been without dentists for several years. The data further indicates that NTPHC Chrowan and Kilshay are also facing a shortage of doctors.

In Bosgay village, home to 30 families, the locals said that there is a notable absence of a health center.

Locals express concern that the absence of basic healthcare facilities and the shortage of specialist doctors in remote areas of this border town are contributing to a significant healthcare crisis.

They also mentioned that patients are frequently compelled to undertake extensive journeys to receive vital medical care, further straining an already challenged healthcare system.

“Healthcare centers and hospitals in these remote areas lack the necessary resources to handle intricate medical cases, leaving patients with no option but to seek treatment elsewhere. The absence of timely and specialized medical care has resulted in on-road deliveries and unfortunate fatalities,” said a group of Bagtore residents with KNO.

Residents in snow-bound areas, including Bagtore, Dawar, and Tulail, have consistently urged for the placement of gynecologists in their regions.

This becomes particularly crucial during the winter months when heavy snowfall isolates these areas from the district headquarters.

“Our Dawar hospital still lacks a proper heating system during these chilly winter days. Setting aside the heating arrangements, the adequate staff has not been available for years now,” said Gulam Ahmad, a local resident.

“Although a gynecologist is posted here, it’s only on a rotational basis, which should be made available continuously,” he said.

“To enhance the overall health sector in Gurez valley, the government should make substantial efforts for the well-being of the local population. Comprehensive development is needed for PHCs, sub-centers, and other healthcare facilities,” said Abdul Qyoom, another resident.

Meanwhile, repeated attempts to reach BMO Gurez proved futile as she did not respond. However, another official stated that they have already forwarded the staff deficiency to higher authorities, and hopefully, these vacant posts will be filled soon. The official also said that other issues will be addressed on a priority basis—(KNO)