Pulwama: The primary health centre (PHC), Aripal in Tral sub division of this south Kashmir district lacks doctors, paramedical staff and other facilities, forcing people of the area to travel to Tral hospital – 11 kilometers away from the village.
More than 20 nearby villages of Aripal like Khanagund , Satoora, Lam , Gutroo, Waged, Gadpora, Dar, Basantpora, Narastan, Hajin and other areas depend on the PHC.
The locals said the health centre lacks the much needed facilities including the digital X-ray which, according to the staff, was damaged few months back and is yet be repaired.
“Whenever we visit the health centre, we are directed to Tral hospital,” an elderly man told INS, adding, “We are told that nothing is left at the PHC”.
These days, the PHC has only one doctor (a dental surgeon) as two other medicos are on NRHM strike.
The locals of Aripal told INS that due to NRHM strike, authorities shifted the only gynaecologist posted at the PHC to sub-district hospital (SDH) Tral thereby adding to their woes.
“Even the ambulance at the health centre is without a driver,” they said.
They have appealed authorities to intervene in the matter at the earliest.
When contacted, Chief Medical Officer Pulwama, Dr Talat Jabeen told INS that she will direct the BMO Tral to pay visit to the PHC, Aripal soon.
“I am taking note of it and will direct the concerned BMO to visit there soon,” Jabeen said.
