Hajin, Dec 26: The New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) in Madwan village of Hajin, located in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district continues to remain incomplete even after 15 years with the result that people of the area are suffering a lot.
The locals, while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that construction on NTHPC began in 2008 and since then it continues to remain under construction even as very little work has taken place so far.
“The building remained non-functional over the years. Despite raising the issue with the relevant authorities several times, no action has been taken. A huge number of people are suffering due to non-availability of health facilities,” they said.
The locals further said that the building, left unattended by the government, at times becomes a shelter for dogs, horses, and various other animals, which shows the administration’s lack of seriousness regarding the overall healthcare facility in this rural area.
Shabir Ahmed, an elderly local said: “Even the windows and doors of this building are now visibly broken, and it seems neglected. No one is taking care of it.
The government should demonstrate some seriousness and complete the remaining work to make it functional as soon as possible, enabling the locals to access healthcare services here.”
He said: “If NTPHC had been made functional, it could have been immensely beneficial to the residents of this hamlet and the nearby communities. The facility would have incorporated the latest amenities and specialized medical professionals”.
Ali Muhammad, another local said: “During health emergencies, we are compelled to visit either Hajin Hospital or Bandipora even for minor ailments that could have been addressed here.
However, going to other hospitals is challenging for us due to considerable distances,” said Ali Muhammad.
“So much time has passed; now it’s time for the government to expedite its functionality, especially for the poor, providing significant relief to the large population here,” he added
Meanwhile, a health official acknowledged the delay in completing the health centre, saying a deadline around March 2024 for its completion. He assured that all remaining works will be addressed and there is optimism that it will become functional for the local population—(KNO)
