by Babra Wani
SRINAGAR: In Badugam, a remote village nestled in the Tulail region of Gurez, residents are growing increasingly anxious. Their only Government Primary Health Centre stands neglected.
Afzal, a local resident, explained that although the facility has four ambulances, none are operational. All remain idle due to the absence of drivers. He said the drivers stay at home, and during emergencies, villagers are forced to hire large private vehicles at high cost to transport patients.
Attempts to raise the issue with doctors have been futile. Residents say the medical staff claim they are helpless, as the Block Medical Officer has instructed the drivers not to report to duty. Afzal said there are many patients with the same complaint—the ambulances are there, but the drivers are not.
Another concern is the condition of the washroom. Afzal said it is so unhygienic that patients risk worsening their health simply by using it. He appealed for attention to the matter, saying that the villagers are poor and have no one to turn to.
People in the area also reported paying large sums to book private transport to reach distant hospitals. Additionally, they raised alarm over the absence of proper sterilisation measures at the facility, which poses further risk to patients.
The situation, residents say, reflects systemic neglect. For a remote village with limited access to healthcare, the absence of basic services at its lone health centre leaves the community vulnerable and unheard.
