Mir Showkat
Ganderbal: Established 2013 Primary Health Center Gutlibagh in district Ganderbal still fails to provide quality health care as it lacks basic facilities, even X-ray machine is un available.
The PHC was established to cater to a huge population of more ten thousand people, to say-Gutlibagh, Baba-Wayi, Warpush, and adjoining forest areas including large number of Gujjer Basti.
Residents say neither ECG machine is available nor an X-ray machine, ‘leave aside machinery there is shortage of portable water and it has erratic electric supply’.
“We have to consult private clinics to even go for basic lab facilities,” Mohammad Shafi, resident of Gutlibagh told INS.
The PHC was inaugurated in much fanfare, locals say, however it fails to provide life saving interventions as the PHC works from 9 am to 4 pm only.
“Patients from forest areas face the hardships as they had a sigh of relief after it was established but when you fail to provide ambulance, even, it is better to go for private consultation at huge prices,” said Nisar Ahmed Thoker.
The locals demand that at least there be two ambulances while as the PHC has only one.
“Recently a youth lost life when ambulance driver was not present. God forbid if that kind of incident happens here. There should be two ambulances at least,” Thoker added.
Locals even allege that there is dearth of doctor’s even.
“Government should upgrade this PHC, provide the basic equipment, and adequate staffing should be done,” residents of Gutlibagh and adjoining places demanded.