Six years after Budnamal health facility was upgraded to a New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC), it continues to function from a dilapidated school building, with residents alleging that poor infrastructure and the absence of an ambulance are affecting healthcare services in the area.
Locals said the upgradation had raised hopes of better infrastructure, modern equipment and improved medical facilities, but little has changed on the ground.
“At the time of the upgradation, we were told that adequate staff and equipment would be provided. However, even after six years, the health centre continues to operate from a deteriorating building that could collapse at any time,” said Mohammad Maqbool, a resident.
Residents said the lack of an ambulance has compounded their problems, particularly during medical emergencies.
“In emergencies, we have to hire private cabs and spend more than ₹2,000 to shift patients to Sub-District Hospital Kupwara or Government Medical College Handwara,” another resident said.
They said the situation worsens during winter, when the area remains cut off from the district headquarters for weeks.
“During emergencies in winter, we are forced to carry patients on makeshift stretchers for nearly 10 kilometres to Baby Top before they can be transported in a vehicle,” the residents said.
A senior Health Department official acknowledged the infrastructure constraints and the absence of an ambulance at the facility.
He said NTPHC Budnamal does not have a sanctioned driver’s post, and an ambulance can be provided only after the post is created.
The official also said a proposal for the construction of a permanent building for the health centre has already been submitted and is expected to be taken up in the coming period.
