The health care system in Gurez is in shambles due to absence of doctors in various health care centres.
On 15 April, Block Medical officer (BMO), Gurez, Dr Tahira even complained with the chief medical officer (CMO) Bandipora about the absence of three doctors from the Primary health centre (PHC) Sheikhpora.
The Medical Officers left without permission or any communication to the office, resulting in a public crisis at the hospital, the BMO said.
“On the evening of April 14th, 2023, a burn case was brought to PHC Shiekhpora, but not a single doctor was present on duty among the three assigned,” she said, adding that the doctors at PHC Shiekhpora have been continuously neglecting their legitimate duties, causing problems and attracting public crises in the area.
“Despite warnings and notices issued by BMO Gurez’s office, the doctors’ irresponsible and unruly behavior persists,” she said, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The BMO demanded stern action against the negligent doctors to ensure they mend their ways in the future or vacate their position.
In another official communication on the same day, BMO Gurez informed the CMO about the absence of four officials at four different health stations, including Achoora, Dangithal, Badwan, and Markoot.
“I would like to bring to your attention that these MLHPs (Multi-Purpose Health Workers) have left their stations without seeking permission or informing the office of the U/sd. As a result, patient care has been severely affected,” she said, adding that it is worth noting that the aforementioned MLHPs have been neglecting their legitimate duties, which has led to several problems. Despite receiving multiple warnings and notices from BMO, they continue to display an irresponsible and unruly attitude.
“Therefore, I request that stern action be taken against these negligent MLHPs to prevent future incidents of this nature. Such action will hopefully prompt them to mend their ways and fulfill their responsibilities effectively in the future,” the BMO added.
An official at the office of Chief Medical Officer Bandipora said that the matter has been conveyed to the higher authorities.
According to locals in Gurez, health centres lack staff and doctors. “Even the PHC Sheikhpora was without staff today as no one was present there,” they said.
The locals have requested the concerned authorities and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to personally look into the matter and redress their grievances—(KNO)