Kupwara, Mar 20: Residents of Lalpora in Lolab Valley of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have expressed resentment over inadequate healthcare facilities at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Lalpora.
Locals said the shortage of medical staff has severely affected patient care, alleging that authorities have failed to take steps to strengthen the facility.
According to residents, only a few doctors are currently posted at the centre, which caters to a population of over 30,000—far from sufficient to meet the healthcare needs of the area. They demanded that all vacant posts be filled at the earliest.
The hospital serves a large population from more than two dozen villages, including Lalpora, Krusan, Darpora, Gundmacher, Rednag, Hayatpora and Dardpora, yet continues to lack basic amenities, they said.
“Pregnancy care has been badly affected due to the non-availability of a gynaecologist. Expectant mothers are forced to seek treatment elsewhere,” residents said.
They added that the health centre is also functioning without a dental surgeon, further compounding the difficulties faced by patients.
The residents have sought the immediate intervention of MLA Lolab Qaiser Jamsheed Lone to address the issue and ensure improved healthcare facilities in the area.
