Kupwara, Sep 23: The Health and Wellness Centre at Chamkote in the Karnah area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district is functioning from a private building with only one employee posted there, causing inconvenience to residents.
Locals said the centre was earlier functioning from a dilapidated building before authorities shifted it to a private house a few years ago.
They said the facility is currently operating from only a few rooms and lacks adequate staff to cater to the healthcare needs of the local population.
“At present, only one FMPHW employee is posted at the Health and Wellness Centre Chamkote, which does not suffice for the needs of a large population,” residents said.
They said staff shortage has remained a longstanding concern and alleged that despite repeatedly approaching the authorities for deployment of additional staff, no action had been taken.
Residents also demanded that the health centre be upgraded to the status of a New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC), saying the move would improve healthcare services in the remote border area.
They appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and address the shortage of staff and infrastructure at the centre.
When contacted by Greater Kashmir, Block Medical Officer (BMO) KarnahDrArif Khawaja said the Health Department had taken up the issue with the Revenue Department for allotment of state land for construction of a separate building for the centre.
“Once the land is allotted, we will go for construction of the building,” he said.
On the demand for upgradation of the centre, Khawaja said the matter could be considered by the higher authorities.
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