Bilal Bashir Bhat Follow @bilalbashirbhat
Srinagar, Aug 28 (Only Kashmir): Once upon a time hundreds of people from downtown Srinagar on daily basis would come for treatment at 150-year-old dispensary now designated Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Maharaj Gunj, however, with the passage of time the dispensary/PHC has lost its sheen due to the official apathy and ignorance, thus compelling the patients to visit SMHS hospital or SKIMS for minor treatment.
In 2018, the Primary Health Centre was shifted to a nearby park following the original two-story 150-year-old Heritage building built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh was demolished during PDP-BJP regime.
According to the locals, construction work has surprisingly halted which not only irks the hundreds of patients visiting on daily basis but also locals as the only ground in congested area have been consumed by the Health Department.
The Primary Health Centre which is headquartering the whole Zone and has some 23 sub centers under its jurisdiction is in total slumber with no proper patient care. Some 500-600 patients, mostly poor people, would visit OPD per day. The locals allege that even in the times of Corona virus the dispensary runs out of permanent doctors and medicine supply. They said usually medicines were provided at dispensary, however, since it was shifted to nearby park there is total lack of medicines, besides the minor examination machines at centre are dysfunctional for which patients have to browse for private testing centers.
Khurshid Ahmad Dalal, President Beopar Mandal Maharaj Gunj talking to Onlykashmir[dot]in said, “Population of almost quarter million is depended on this Primary Health Centre, instead it should be converted into Sub District Hospital, the irony is it has been shifted in a shed which causes inconvenience not only to the patients but also the locals, adding, the machinery earlier used in building is now dysfunctional due to the lack of space in shed.”
Sufi Mushtaq Ahmad a prominent social activist said the step-motherly treatment meted with the people of downtown undoubtedly reflects the discriminating nature on part of the successive ruling regime.
Suhail Ahmad a local youth said the Dental Care is totally dysfunctional from last one year, besides for minor examination we have to move to private centers due to the lack of interest of officials.
The locals demanded that doctors be made available at the centre throughout the week and appealed authorities to post a specialist doctors at the centre.
When Onlykashmir[dot]in tried to contact Dr Samir Mattoo Director, Health Services, Kashmir, he preferred not to pick phone despite repeated calls.
