| Fully equipped PHC Mongri has no MBBS doctor, approach road | | 2-years on, X-ray, USG machines await technicians | | Early Times Report
Jammu, July 3: Primary Health Centre Mongri lacks doctors to provide medical services to the local population.
Despite boasting a fully equipped facility with modern infrastructure, including an X-ray machine, ultrasound machine, and adequate medicines, the absence of qualified medical professionals has rendered these resources virtually unusable.
The PHC, catering to a total population of 3,065, has three doctors posted on-site, but none of them are qualified in general medicine. Two of the doctors are ayurvedic practitioners, and the third is a dentist. With no MBBS doctor available for the past two months, the residents are left with limited access to proper medical care, especially in emergency situations.
According to the locals one of the glaring issues faced by the Mongri PHC is the lack of an approach road, making it difficult for vehicles, including ambulances, to reach the center. The absence of a dedicated route hampers timely access to medical assistance, putting lives at risk, particularly in critical situations.
Despite having 12 staff members, the PHC lacks crucial positions such as a gynecologist, which is essential for providing comprehensive women's healthcare. The ultrasound machine, a valuable diagnostic tool, remains unused due to the absence of a trained technician to operate it effectively.
The X-ray machine, received by the PHC two years ago, remains untouched, still covered and unused. The lack of qualified staff to handle the machine has made it redundant in providing much-needed diagnostic support to the local population. While the PHC Mongri is well-maintained and kept clean, its effectiveness in providing essential medical services is severely compromised due to the absence of doctors. The community is left with a facility that has all the necessary infrastructure and medicines but cannot cater to their medical needs adequately.
Residents of Mongri have urged the authorities to address the critical staff shortage, recruit qualified doctors, and ensure the PHC can function as intended.
“Efforts to improve access to healthcare services in remote areas must go beyond infrastructure development. It is imperative to prioritize the allocation of qualified medical professionals to these areas, ensuring that the equipment and resources available can be utilized effectively to benefit the local population,” said a resident. |
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