Now Reading: Kukroosa residents protest lack of staff at health centre
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Kukroosa residents protest lack of staff at health centre
The Story in Brief
Residents of Kukroosa in north Kashmir's Kupwara district have protested against authorities over inadequate healthcare at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Kukroosa. They said only one doctor serves a population of over 30,000, and the facility lacks a dental surgeon, lab technician and gynaecologist.
Locals said a dental ward with equipment remains unused without a doctor. Diagnostic tests are not carried out due to the absence of a lab technician, forcing patients to seek care elsewhere. Pregnancy care has also suffered without a gynaecologist, they added.
The residents have demanded that vacant posts be filled immediately. They urged Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb to intervene. The NTPHC caters to over two dozen villages including Kukroosa, Lilam, Zafarkhani and Khanbal.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Kupwara is one of the most remote and underserved districts in Jammu and Kashmir, with many primary health centres struggling to retain specialists. The NTPHC Kukroosa's shortfall mirrors a statewide shortage: J&K's doctor-to-population ratio is below the WHO norm, and rural postings are often avoided. A single doctor for 30,000 people means a ratio of 1:30,000 against the recommended 1:1,000. The next step is whether the Deputy Commissioner will issue a compliance report or the matter escalates to the High Court.
Source: greaterkashmir.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
