Srinagar, Dec 14 : Despite the authorities approving for upgradation of sub-centre Chakoora alongside four other such centres as New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) in 2017-18, the particular health facility continues to function as sub-centre even after three years, with authorities failing to give any genuine reason.
A local in the knowhow of the things told GNS that authorities approved upgradation of sub-centres including Satoora, Aripal, Rathsuna, Shar Shalli and Chakoora into NTPHCs in 2017-2018. Even as the other sub-centres subsequently started working as NTPHCs, the one at Chakoora however continues to function as a sub-centre despite falling in the list of approved health facilities.
Explaining further, the local said the sub-centre Chakoora was inaugurated as NTPHC by senior health officials of Pulwama district, BMO Pulwama besides other officials and a panel board erected which suggests the centre to be a NTPHC albeit for the fact that the health facility is working as sub-centre only even after three years.
We approached the authorities on several occasions regarding the same, however each time we were turned back on the ground that it was not feasible to run the sub-centre as New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) given the limited population it caters. “One wonders if it was not feasible, why at all they spent nearly two and a half crore on its construction and why at all they have installed the sign board suggesting it be an NTPHC”, he said.
“Even a population of nearly thirty thousand in and around the health facility is no less”, he said.
Sarpanch Chakoora told GNS that he has taken the issue with Deputy Commissioner Pulwama even as asking the locals to move a representation which he said would be forwarded to Deputy Commissioner. “It may be that the authorities have held up due to Covid situation even with the ongoing chilly weather conditions”, he said.
When contacted Director Health Services Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmad told GNS that the building has been constructed without prior sanction. “I will still look into the matter and respond accordingly”, he said.
