by Farhad Khan

Srinagar: Lack of basic health care facilities hampers the patient care at Government Primary Health Centre (PHC) Gutlibagh village of central Kashmir’s  Ganderbal district forcing people to cover long distances for treatment.

The residents said that the non-availability of the facilities has hit the healthcare system badly compelling patients to reach hospitals in Srinagar. “Even for a simple tablet we go to the market and buy from there,” said a resident.

A file pic of PHC Gutlibagh Ganderbal

According to the residents, the PHC was established in 2013, 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.

Due to the lack of basic facilities the health centre has failed to cater a huge depending population of villages like Prang, Gutlibagh, Babawayil, Chanhar, Banjar Basti, Urpash, Wayilwooder and adjoining areas of the district.

“The centre has become redundant due to lack of infrastructure, proper space, staff, and medicines,” said a resident wishing anonymity.

“Sometimes, there is no doctor to see patients at these health centres. Even for common cold and cough, we have to visit district hospital,” he added.

“There should be proper medical supplies and staff members available at these health centres,” he said. “At least basic aid and medicines for minor diseases should be available.” said a local resident Bashir Ahmad Khan.

The residents also appealed the government and concerned authorities to look into the matter so that the patients will not suffer further.

However, Chief Medical Officer Ganderbal was not available for the quote but an official from the PHC Gutlibagh said that the reason behind the poor facilities is lack of sufficient funds from the government.

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