Mohammad Lateef

Srinagar, Apr 23(KNS): Community Health Centre (CHC) Pattan in Baramulla district is facing a shortage of medical staff and basic facilities, affecting patient care, locals said.

Several specialist posts, including consultant surgery, anaesthesia and paediatrics, have remained vacant for a prolonged period. Locals said that after transfers of some doctors, no replacements have been posted, worsening the situation.

The shortage also extends to paramedical staff. Posts of pharmacists, head pharmacists, supervisor, X-ray technicians and a basic health worker are lying vacant, they said.
In addition, medical officer posts at Palhalan and Gund Khawaja Qasim have remained unfilled following transfers, leaving nearby areas underserved.

Officials said the hospital has seven surgeons, including doctors from the gynaecology department, but only one anaesthesiologist.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThis has impacted the number of surgeries being conducted at the facility.

Residents said that despite the requirement, no additional anaesthesia specialists have been deputed to the hospital.
CHC Pattan, located along the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, caters to a large population and also handles accident cases from the highway stretch.

A dialysis unit has been installed at the hospital but is not operational due to the absence of a water supply system and a dialysis technician, locals said.

Residents have urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakeena Itoo to intervene and address the issues at the earliest.(KNS).