Trauma Centre lying ‘nearly defunct’
Excelsior Correspondent
RAMBAN, Dec 31: Entire Ramban district including Gool and Banihal Sub Divisions are reeling under severe power crisis and shortage of Medical staff specially, the specialist doctors.
Speaking to media-persons here today, a social and political activists, Fairoz Khan (adv) from Congress raised serious concern about the growing hardships faced by the people of Ramban district. Khan said the district is battling two major failures this winter, crumbling power services and a severe shortage of medical staff across key health institutions.
He said that even after the installation of smart meters, the PDD has been unable to provide a basic and predictable electricity schedule. Residents in Ramban, Maitra, Balote, Mahu, Mangit, Khari, Neel, Chaknarwah, Chamalwas, Bajmasta, Pogal, Paristan, Sarbagni, Amkoot, Bankoot, Wagan, Chapnari, Nachlana, Ramsoo, Ukharhal, Gool, Dharam, Sanagaldan, Rajgarh, Gandhri and many other areas are facing outages that stretch beyond eight hours a day. Most of these cuts happen without prior notice, leaving families, students and traders struggling.
Khan pointed out that places like Thachi, Wagan, Amkoot, Chamalwas Lower-B, Chamalwas Upper, Kralchial and Chaknarwah were left in total darkness for two consecutive days. Power was restored only after repeated calls to officials. He said this reflects a complete breakdown in planning, monitoring and accountability within the department. People depend on electricity for heating but basic winter needs are being pushed into uncomfortable conditions.
Cong leader further highlighted the alarming condition of healthcare services in the district. He said Ramban’s health system is on the edge because of severe staff shortages even in major hospitals. Out of 134 sanctioned posts across District Hospital Ramban, Trauma Centre Ramban and other health units, only 65 are currently filled, leaving 69 posts vacant. Even in District Hospital Ramban, there are 35 sanctioned posts but in position are 23 while 12 vacant.
In Trauma Centre Ramban, the sanctioned posts are 14, just 4 in place while 10 are vacant. This important Trauma Centre on Jammu-Srinagar national Highway is lying nearly defunct.
He said critical shortages exist in specialist doctors, medical officers, nursing staff, lab and X-ray technicians, paramedical staff and essential support services.
He added that the situation in other hospitals and health centres in the district is no different. Banihal Hospital, PHC Ukhral, PHC Neel, PHC Ramsoo, PHC Rajgarh and several other units are operating with inadequate manpower.
Calling this an administrative failure, Fairoz Khan urged the Chief Minister to take immediate and decisive measures.
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