Watchi residents demand testing facilities, more staff at NTPHC Watchi
Locals allege prolonged staff shortage despite upgradation of health centre
Shopian: The residents of Watchi area in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have expressed strong resentment over the lack of adequate medical facilities at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Watchi, which continues to function without essential testing equipment and with only a single doctor for months.
Locals said that despite being upgraded from a sub-centre to an NTPHC several years ago and getting a new building inaugurated in January 2020, the hospital continues to face staff shortage and inadequate infrastructure.
They said the absence of diagnostic and testing facilities has rendered the hospital ineffective for most patients.
“Only immunization is being carried out here. Patients with even minor ailments are forced to travel to Zainapora or Shopian for basic check-ups and tests,” said Shakeel Ahmad, a local resident.
“This not only wastes time but also causes financial burden on poor families,” he added.
Residents said that though a doctor was posted there last year after persistent appeals but hospital continues to function without testing facilities and lacks adequate staff.
They added that the health centre receives around 40 patients daily but patients suffer due to the lack of medical care and testing facilities. “The building may look new, but without staff and testing equipment, it serves no real purpose,” a local said.
The residents appealed to the health authorities to immediately post more staff and ensure the availability of basic diagnostic facilities, including blood and urine testing, at the NTPHC to make it functional in the true sense.
Locals said that they have brought this issue in notice of concerned authorities several times but to no avail.
They have sought the attention of higher ups in this regard.
