In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, residents of Magam and adjoining villages in north Kashmir’s Handwara have complained of acute shortage of healthcare services and diagnostic facilities at Primary Health Centre (PHC) Magam. According to Kashmir Media Service, locals said the health centre, established in 1987, has never remained a priority for the concerned authorities.

“The inadequate staff at PHC Magam has always been a problem due to which patient care has been badly hit. This health centre lacks the entire basic infrastructure required for its smooth functioning,” local resident Shabir Ahmad told the media. He said only a few doctors and paramedics are posted at the facility, which does not suffice the needs of the population and is affecting the smooth functioning of the centre.

Residents said due to the absence of most diagnostic facilities, patients are forced to travel to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara, putting an additional economic burden on poor families. They added that despite repeated requests over the years, specialised doctors, including a gynecologist, have not been posted at the PHC.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)