Baramulla, June 27: Thousands of residents from Pattan area in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have renewed their appeal to the government for the urgent upgradation of the Community Health Centre (CHC) Pattan , a hospital with over a century-long legacy but still operating with outdated infrastructure and limited staff.
Known locally as the Trauma Hospital, the facility was envisioned to serve emergency cases, yet it continues to function as a basic CHC, much to the disappointment of the public. Despite a surge in population and rising patient inflow, the hospital’s staff strength remains unchanged since 1962, locals alleged.
“This hospital is one of the oldest in the Kashmir Valley. But tragically, the government has deceived the people of Pattan by not operationalizing it as a Trauma Hospital as promised. It was constructed as such, but to date, it functions no better than a CHC,” said a local social activist.
The situation has led to a disturbing trend: patients, including those with treatable conditions, are regularly referred to hospitals in Srinagar, over 30 kilometers away. Residents argue that unnecessary referrals are not only avoidable but also result in delays in treatment and financial burden for common families.
In a region with a patient footfall comparable to that of a district hospital, residents say the infrastructure remains neglected and the manpower grossly inadequate. “We are living in a modern age, yet our healthcare facility is stuck in the past,” said another resident.
The public has once again made a fervent appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address the issue by upgrading CHC Pattan to a full-fledged District Hospital with sanctioned staff strength and advanced facilities.
People in the area believe that such a step is long overdue and would significantly ease the healthcare crisis in the region. “We don’t want promises anymore. We want action,” said one local elder, echoing the collective sentiment of the Pattan population.
Locals are also demanding a proper audit of existing resources and a realistic assessment of medical needs in the area to prevent further public suffering. (CNS)
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