Kupwara, Oct 18: Residents of Chontiwari Doban village in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have sought urgent intervention by the authorities, alleging that the lack of basic amenities, particularly healthcare facilities, continues to cause hardship to the local population.
The residents said the village health centre, established following repeated public demands, remained understaffed and lacked essential facilities, leaving more than 3,000 people struggling to access medical care.
“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 local resident said.
The villagers said the distance from Primary Health Centre (PHC) Duddi compounded their difficulties, particularly during winter when heavy snowfall isolates the Machil sector.
“During winters, when the entire Machil area receives five to six feet of snow, it becomes impossible for us to leave our homes and reach Machil,” a resident said.
The residents claimed that several patients had died in the past before they could reach PHC Duddi for treatment.
They demanded adequate medical staff and improved infrastructure at the Chontiwari Doban health centre, stressing the need for a gynaecologist to cater to women in the area.
The residents appealed to Lolab MLA Qaiser Jamsheed Lone and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and address their long-pending grievances.
Responding to the concerns, MLA Qaiser Jamsheed Lone told Greater Kashmir that efforts were underway to upgrade PHC Duddi in Machil to a sub-district hospital.
He said the proposed upgrade would improve healthcare services for residents of the Machil sector.
