Kupwara’s Machil neglected, residents seek health facilities
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, residents of Chontiwari Doban area in Kupwara’s remote Machil sector have criticized successive governments for apathy, saying the village of over 3,000 people continues to lack basic health facilities.
According to Kashmir Media Service, locals said the only so-called health centre remains severely understaffed and ill-equipped. “After repeated pleas to successive dispensations, a health centre was sanctioned here, but it has always remained understaffed, due to which a population of over 3,000 is suffering,” a resident said.
The villagers said the absence of proper infrastructure forces them to travel several kilometres to PHC Duddi, a journey that becomes impossible during winters when Machil receives 5 to 6 feet of snow.
“During winters, when the entire Machil witnesses 5 to 6 feet of snow, it becomes impossible for us to move out of our homes and reach Machil,” another resident said. Locals deplored that several patients have died in the past while being taken to PHC Duddi due to difficult terrain and long distances. They also demanded posting of a gynaecologist at Chontiwari Doban, saying women face immense difficulties in accessing timely care.
“As our village is several kilometres from PHC Duddi, the need of the hour is to develop the infrastructure at the Chontiwari Doban health centre to lessen the miseries of the people,” a resident said.
The residents have appealed to Lolab MLA Qaiser Jamsheed Lone and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure better healthcare and winter connectivity.
Responding to the concerns, Lone said efforts were underway to upgrade PHC Duddi Machil into a Sub-District Hospital, which he claimed would improve healthcare services in the area
