Mohammad Lateef

Pattan, Oct 10 (KNS): The Community Health Centre (CHC) Pattan in north Kashmir's Baramulla district has performed approximately 600 major surgeries over the past two years, including several advanced laparoscopic procedures, marking a significant expansion of specialised healthcare services at the community level.

The achievement reflects the growing surgical capabilities of the health facility, where procedures traditionally associated with tertiary-care hospitals are now being performed, providing patients from Pattan and adjoining areas access to specialised treatment closer to their homes.

According to details available with news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), the General Surgery Department at CHC Pattan has carried out around 600 major surgical procedures during the two-year period, covering both conventional operations and basic and advanced laparoscopic interventions.

Several of these procedures require specialised training, considerable operative experience and advanced surgical skills, making their availability at a community health centre particularly significant.

The expansion of surgical services has helped reduce the dependence of patients on tertiary-care hospitals for procedures that can be safely performed at the local facility, thereby minimising travel-related difficulties and delays in treatment.

The surgical workload has been managed by three surgeons posted at CHC Pattan, who have collectively performed the procedures while simultaneously attending to regular outpatient consultations, emergency cases and other institutional responsibilities.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The sustained surgical activity has also been supported by the administrative efforts of Block Medical Officer (BMO) Pattan, Dr Rumeena Majeed, who facilitated logistical requirements and extended institutional support to strengthen the centre's operative capabilities.

The availability of advanced laparoscopic procedures at CHC Pattan represents an important step towards decentralising specialised healthcare services, particularly in areas where patients have traditionally depended on higher-level institutions for surgical interventions.

Minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures can offer several advantages, including smaller incisions, reduced postoperative discomfort and shorter recovery periods, depending on the nature of the surgery and the patient's condition.

The expansion of these services is also expected to ease pressure on tertiary-care hospitals by enabling community-level healthcare institutions to manage suitable surgical cases independently.

With approximately 600 major operations completed over two years, CHC Pattan has strengthened its position as a local centre for surgical care, highlighting the potential of community health institutions to deliver specialised medical services with trained personnel and adequate institutional support.

The facility is expected to further expand its operative capabilities and improve access to quality surgical treatment for residents of Pattan and surrounding areas. (KNS)