Rafiabad: Residents of Tehsil Dangiwacha in North Kashmir have raised serious concerns over the lack of basic healthcare facilities at the local Primary Health Centre (PHC), urging the government to upgrade it to a Sub-District Hospital (SDH) without further delay. Despite the construction of a new hospital building intended for an upgraded SDH, the institution continues to operate as a PHC, leaving thousands of people dependent on limited services.
According to locals, several key posts remain vacant, including that of a gynaecologist and paediatrician—positions essential for a region where residents must travel long distances to reach the district hospital for specialised care. The absence of surgeons has further aggravated the situation, forcing patients to seek treatment outside the tehsil even for routine medical needs.
Adding to the grievances, the hospital houses a fully digital X-ray plant, but the facility has never been made functional due to the absence of a trained technician. Locals say this is a glaring example of mismanagement, as equipment worth lakhs of rupees lies unused. The ultrasound (USG) service is also severely limited, available barely four times a month, leaving expectant mothers and other patients with no dependable diagnostic support.
Residents argue that the healthcare setup is grossly inadequate for the population it serves, especially in emergencies. “We are suffering every single day. The new building is ready and functional, but the hospital still runs as a PHC. We need gynaecologists, surgeons and a full-time radiology staff,” said one local resident.
People of Dangiwacha have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Health Minister and the Secretary Health to intervene at the earliest. They demand immediate upgradation of the PHC to a Sub-District Hospital and the posting of essential staff to ensure that the region receives healthcare services that meet its needs.
Locals maintain that timely government intervention could greatly ease the hardships of thousands who depend solely on the Dangiwacha hospital for medical services.
