Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, May 10: Aru village, famous for its beauty and tourism, lacks proper healthcare facilities, putting residents at risk during night time emergencies without a functional 24-hour health center or ambulance services.
Located approximately 12 kilometers from the popular summer tourist destination of Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, the village lacks a 24-hour health centre, leaving its 2000 residents vulnerable during medical emergencies at night. The understaffed facility closes at 4 PM, forcing the village to rely on divine intervention for healthcare. The absence of an ambulance worsens the situation.
The Chairman Awkaf Committee Aru, Suhail Sheikh, expressed his frustration, saying, “We have been pleading for a round-the-clock health center for years, but nothing has been done. Our lives are at risk, especially during the night when emergencies can strike without warning.”
The locals heavily rely on the local health centre for their medical needs, but they allege that the facility is consistently understaffed. “The health centre closes its doors after 4 pm, and we are left helpless. We have no choice but to rely on divine intervention,” Deputy Sarpanch of the area, Ghulam Qadir Sheikh said.
He added that the absence of an ambulance exacerbates the dire situation. “When someone falls seriously ill during the night, we have to arrange for makeshift transportation to Pahalgam, which is a dangerous journey. Every minute counts in such situations and the lack of an ambulance puts lives at risk,” he said.
The locals said that Dr. Bharti, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, had recently provided an ambulance to Aru village. However, to the disappointment of the villagers, the vehicle was relocated shortly after. “It was a ray of hope for us, but the ambulance was taken away without any explanation. Our pleas for a consistent healthcare solution seem to fall on deaf ears.”
Despite the recent construction of a new health centre building, the quality of healthcare services remains subpar. “The government spent a significant amount on the new building, but it seems like a mere cosmetic upgrade. The actual healthcare facilities and services have not improved,” shared a concerned resident.
The absence of healthcare services during night hours poses a severe risk to tourists visiting or staying overnight in Aru. One tourist recounted their harrowing experience, saying, “My friend had a medical emergency late at night, and we had to rush back to Pahalgam on treacherous roads. It was a frightening experience, and we were lucky to reach the hospital in time. This situation is unacceptable for a tourist spot.”
Chief Medical Officer of Anantnag, Mohammad Yousuf, told Excelsior that the health centre currently operates as a sub-centre, which is unable to function 24/7. However, efforts are underway to upgrade its status. “During winters, we ensured staff presence throughout the night due to road blockages in the area. However, we cannot maintain round-the-clock operations now, as allocating additional staff would adversely impact other locations,” he said.
When asked about the ambulance situation, he said, “I will personally investigate the matter.”
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