Residents protest staff shortage at Rajouri health centre

Shyam Sood

Rajouri, June 26

Residents of Budhal today held a protest against the health department over the poor condition of the Budhal primary health centre (PHE).

“Had there been adequate facilities at the PHE, sanctioned posts of doctors and staff, medicines and machinery, the lives of four accident victims could have been saved on Monday,” they said.

The Budhal PHE is close to where the accident took place, but in the absence of facilities there, they had to be taken to other health centres.

All three sanctioned posts of MBBS doctors are vacant at the centre. Out of the five posts of female multipurpose health workers, four are vacant. Besides, posts of X-Ray technician, dental surgeon, and pharmacist are also vacant.

Out of the two posts of MBBS doctors sanctioned under the National Health Mission, one is vacant.

Only one MBBS doctor, two Indian System of Medicine (ISM) doctors (one on leave) and one female multipurpose health worker are looking after the affairs of the Budhal PHC.

A large number of people from remote areas depend on the health centre.

Ten persons were injured in an accident near Budhal on Monday, out of which seven died.

“If facilities were available at the Budhal and Kandi health centres, they could have been saved,” said Waqar Lone, social and political activist.

Dr Iqbal Malik, block medical officer, admitted there was shortage of staff and toilets were in a bad shape. He said he would visit the PHC on Friday.