Bizarre! PHC operates from a Panchayat Ghar in Pulwama
Pulwama: Believe it or not, but it is true. A Primary Health centre (PHC) at Arihal village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district is functioning from a makeshift arrangement in a three-roomed Panchayat ghar.
The move has deflated the tall claims of the local administration to strengthen the rural health care infrastructure.
The residents said the foundation stone of the permanent building of PHC was laid a few years ago however the completion of the construction of the building is yet to see the light of the day.
“The machinery of the PHC is almost defunct as it is functioning in a Panchayat building with just three rooms,” the locals said.
The residents complained that there was no facility available at PHC except the first aid due to which the locals are forced to visit district hospital Pulwama for even minor ailments.
“We brought this issue into the notice of higher ups several times but we were given verbal assurances only,” they said.
The residents have urged the higher ups to look into the matter and expedite the construction of the health centre as well.
Meanwhile, an official of the health department said that most of the machines were defunct due to lack of space at PHC.
“Recently we were asked to shift to a new building but the building is still incomplete,” he said.
He however said the concerned agency has been directed to complete the new building in a shortest possible time.
“Around 95 percent of the construction is complete,” he said.
Jahangeer Ganaie
