Suhail Rather
Bandipora, June 11 : The healthcare service in Bandipora that was already in shambles is near collapse as more than 42 doctors positions are vacant in the district adding miseries to the people due to frequent referrals.
Official data reveals that the district faces a total vacancy of 42 doctors, including two National Health Mission (NHM) positions. District Hospital Bandipora alone has 11 vacant doctor posts including 06 Specialists.
The areas of Hajin and Gurez are also affected, lacking 03 specialists, 03 dental surgeons and 18 Medical officers, respectively.
The 28 Vacant Medical Officer Positions include 6 vacancies in Bandipora block , 13 in Hajin, 06 in Gurez Sub division and 03 in district hospital Bandipora. Additionally 2 posts under NHM also stand vacant in the district hospital Bandipora.
Residents report a significant strain on the healthcare system due to the doctor shortage. Patients from remote and border areas visit the District Hospital Bandipora for treatment, but the lack of doctors forces them to travel to Srinagar or Sopore for proper care. This situation creates immense hardship for the community, particularly those with limited mobility or resources.
The shortage of doctors have severely impacted the healthcare services as it has lead to frequent referrals burdening the city hospitals.
“What is the fun of having a district hospital when you have to refer a patient to Srinagar even for a minor treatment,” Locals said adding that they have always concentrated on superficial things just to paint a rosy picture of the hospitals which there is rot under the rug.
The District Hospital experiences a high volume of patients around the clock. Locals emphasize the need for adequate staff to manage the patient load and provide better healthcare services. They point out that while the hospital has improved facilities, the lack of doctors renders them underutilized.
Residents said the district administration over the years have miserably failed to plead the case of the district before concerned authorities that has worsened the situation.
The people of Bandipora urge Lieutenant Governor manoj Sinha to personally monitor the healthcare services and take immediate steps to fill the vacant doctor positions. They said addressing this critical shortage is essential to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for all residents of the district.
The Director Health Services Kashmir has stated their intention to look into the matter. However, residents await concrete action to address this pressing concern.
