*Official upgradation to CHC still awaited
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Jan 10: After seven years of prolonged delays, the newly constructed Community Health Centre (CHC) building in Thannamandi has finally been handed over to the Health Department and is now made operational but this hospital is facing shortage of staff.
While the development marks a significant milestone in the healthcare infrastructure of the region, it is important to note that the facility, despite being built as a CHC, has not been ‘officially’ upgraded from a Primary Health Centre (PHC) to a Community Health Centre (CHC). This administrative lag continues to limit the scope and scale of healthcare services available to the public.
The issue of upgradation has been a long-standing demand of the people of Thannamandi. Over the years, several assurances were made by prominent leaders, including the former Chief Minister, Ministers, MLAs, and leaders of various political parties, to upgrade the PHC to a CHC, however, these promises remain unfulfilled till date, leaving the newly constructed building underutilized despite its potential to serve as a full-fledged CHC.
The previous healthcare facility in Thannamandi operated under cramped and inadequate conditions, making it challenging for both patients and medical professionals to access quality healthcare. The new CHC building, equipped with modern amenities and expanded space, promises to address these long-standing issues. However, the current staff strength remains insufficient to cater to the growing demands of the population it serves, including residents from remote and underserved areas.
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions, welcoming the operationalization of the new building while raising concerns about the acute shortage of doctors, paramedical staff, and support personnel.
“We are grateful for this long-awaited facility finally becoming operational, but without adequate staff and official upgradation to CHC status, its purpose remains defeated,” remarked a local resident.
“We request the authorities to urgently address these issues so the people of Thannamandi and surrounding areas can benefit fully from the new infrastructure,” he added.
The locals of the area lauded the initiative of the DC Rajouri Abhishek Sharma for his commitment in resolving long-pending public issues and improving healthcare infrastructure in the district.
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