Non availability of sonologist in SDH Kupwara take heavy toll of patients

SUHAIL YOUSUF SHAH

Kupwara : The tall claims of the health department to provide better healthcare facilities to people in border areas proved flat at SDH Kupwara, as people were forced to have USGs outside hospital.

Scores of patients told this newspaper they visited the sub-district hospital in Kupwara this morning for their USGs and were forced to have the same medical examination at private clinics due to the non-availability of sonologists at the health institution.

The patients have expressed their agony against the authorities for failing to provide them with better facilities.

A patient from Guzriyal Kupwara told Global Kashmir that he took his elderly wife to the hospital for USG because of the date given for the medical examination; however, when he reached the spot, no doctor was present.

It is important to mention here that on November 30, Chief Medical Officer Kupwara issued an order no. 7507-11 dated of 30-11-2022 where he directed three different block doctors to conduct USGs at SDH Kupwara to provide better facilities to people.

The patients said as per the order, Dr. Ghulam Rasool of Trehgam Block was directed to hold USGs on Saturday, but due to unknown reasons he didn’t come, and as a result, the Section remained closed and a large number of patients suffered badly.

The patients have sought action against the doctors who didn’t follow the top official directions, due to which the poor people are facing problems in this bone-chilling cold.

Speaking to Global Kashmir Chief Medical Officer, he said, “Actually, these doctors are posted in other places, and the same has been brought to the attention of DC Kupwara.” We are expecting redressal of people’s grievances at the earliest possible date.

Even raids were conducted at Kupwara to determine the presence of any sonologists at private clinics, and we didn’t find anyone.

Deputy commissioner Kupwara Dr. Sagar diofode said the CMO Kupwara has brought the matter in Notice and he has directed the concerned BMOs to initiate action against the doctor.