SRINAGAR: Health services in Tangdhar, a frontier area in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, are in dire straits as 60 percent of posts in the medical block remain vacant. The shortage has left the local population struggling to access basic healthcare, particularly during the harsh winter months when the region remains cut off from the rest of the valley.
Out of 149 sanctioned positions in the Tangdhar medical block, 90 posts are vacant.
This information was revealed through a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by activist MM Shuja.
Despite demands to upgrade the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tangdhar to a 100-bed facility, no significant action has been taken. The hospital lacks critical specialists, including a gynecologist, anesthetist, pediatrician, ENT specialist, and ophthalmologist. The absence of these essential services has forced residents to endure considerable hardships.
During summer, some patients can be shifted to better-equipped facilities in other parts of the valley. However, in winter, snow and road closures make such transfers impossible, leaving patients with no viable options for care.
Residents have urged higher authorities to intervene and address the staff shortages to improve healthcare delivery, especially during the winter months when the demand for local services is highest.
Severe Staff Shortages
At SDH Tangdhar, critical posts remain unfilled, including those of a consultant anesthetist, consultant gynecologist, six medical officers, and multiple supervisory roles such as lab technician, pharmacist, and dental technician. Other vacancies include positions for a junior theater technician, chauffeur, senior driver, plumber, junior-grade nurses, electricians, and sanitary staff.
Other Health Facilities Affected
The situation is equally grim in other healthcare centers across the medical block. Primary Health Centers (PHCs) at Gabra, Chiterkote, Teetwal, and NTPHCs at Nachiyan, Hajinar, Shamspora, Kandi, and Gundishort are all grappling with severe staff shortages.
PHC Teetwal is currently managed by only a junior pharmacist, a Female Multipurpose Health Worker (FMPHW), and a Class IV employee. However, key positions such as medical officers, dental surgeon, x-ray technician, dental technician, lab technician, health and family welfare assistant, and other supporting staff remain unfilled. (KNO)
