People rue lack of basic facilities at Kupwara health center
Srinagar : Residents of Sarmarg in Kupwara district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have expressed anger over the lack of basic facilities at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Sarmarg, demanding that it be made operational 24×7 with full staff and infrastructure.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the health facility was upgraded seven years ago, raising hopes of better healthcare access for over a dozen villages in the foothills of Bangus Valley. However, locals said the centre continues to function from a two-room old building without adequate staff, diagnostic facilities or an ambulance.
“Although a doctor was posted here a year ago, without proper support it has made no difference. Patients are forced to travel over 25 km to Associated District Hospital GMC Handwara for treatment,” a local resident said.
“The hospital doesn’t even have an ambulance. We have to hire private cabs to carry patients to other hospitals,” said Bilal Rasheed, a youth from the village. Residents also complained of administrative confusion, stating that despite being geographically part of Rajwar under Zachaldara tehsil, Sarmarg has been placed under Medical Block Ramhall, which has no direct road connectivity with the village. They have urged authorities to realign the village with Medical Block Rajwar and to equip the center with full staff, diagnostic services and ambulance facilities for round-the-clock functioning.
