Dilapidated road to Keller hospital gives tough time to patients, allege locals
Road full of potholes as it hasn’t been macadamised for 6 years
Shopian: The road leading to the Sub-District Hospital in Keller Tehsil of south Kashmir’s Shopian district is lying in a dilapidated condition, causing immense inconvenience to patients and locals alike.
Locals said that the stretch, which is crucial for patients needing medical care, is dotted with potholes and craters, making travel both difficult and risky.
They said the road hasn’t seen any macadamisation for the last six years.
“This road is full of potholes. Ambulances struggle to reach the hospital, especially in emergency situations. It’s heart-breaking to see pregnant women or elderly patients being jolted in vehicles due to the condition of the road,” said Bashir Ahmad, a local resident.
Patients too echoed the concerns.
“I had to visit the hospital for follow-up treatment after surgery, but the bumpy ride made my condition worse. This is not the kind of road you expect leading to a healthcare facility,” said Raja Begum, a 60-year-old patient.
The residents alleged that despite repeated appeals to concerned authorities, no action has been taken to repair or upgrade the road.
“We’ve knocked every door — from the local administration to the Roads and Buildings Department — but all we’ve got are false assurances. This road is not only important for locals but also for patients from surrounding villages,” said Irshad Ahmad, another resident of the area.
The locals demanded immediate intervention from the administration to ensure that the road is repaired at the earliest.
They said proper macadamisation would not only ease the movement of patients but also benefit the overall connectivity of the area.
