Bandipora, Dec 5, KNT: The X-ray machine at the Community Health Centre Sumbal has remained defunct for several days, leaving patients dependent on private diagnostic centres and increasing their treatment costs. Locals said the machine developed a technical fault earlier this week, yet no repair work has taken place so far.
Inhabitants said the disruption has forced patients, including those from distant villages, to travel to Bandipora and nearby towns for routine X-ray examinations. They said the failure to restore the service has resulted in long queues at private labs and has placed additional strain on low income households.
Traders Federation Sumbal President Nazir Ahmad Reshi said the absence of the facility is causing hardship for elderly patients and those who cannot afford private testing. He said several key services had earlier been shifted from CHC Sumbal to Hajin, increasing the difficulties faced by the local population and weakening the hospital’s role as a primary healthcare centre.
Reshi urged the MLA Sonawari and senior health authorities to act immediately and restore essential services at the facility. He said timely repairs, upgraded machinery and adequate staffing are needed to ensure reliable healthcare for the area.
Locals appealed to the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora and the Director of Health Services to intervene without delay.
Chief Medical Officer Bandipora, Dr Ishtiyaq Naik, said the matter has already been taken up with the Deputy Commissioner. He said the X-ray machine will be made functional within two days and that a proposal for a digital X-ray unit has been submitted to strengthen services at the centre. [KNT]
