Imamsahab NTPHC Grapples with Electricity Shortages and Road Dilapidation

Aaqib Naik

Shopian, 22 July :  The NTPHC (New Type Primary Health Centre) in Imamsahab, Shopian, continues to face significant challenges due to severe electricity shortages caused by the non-functional status of a generator that was sanctioned over a year ago.

The absence of a working generator has had a profound impact on healthcare services at the facility, resulting in hardships for patients, especially during electricity cut-offs. Imamsahab NTPHC plays a critical role in providing medical care to the local population, but the lack of a functioning generator has made the center vulnerable to frequent power outages, affecting patient care and overall operations.

Concerned locals have raised the issue with relevant officials, urging them to expedite the installation process of the sanctioned generator. However, the delay in addressing the matter has left the community disillusioned and frustrated.

Mr. Nasrullah Koka, a local resident, while talking to the Arising State praised the captivating architecture of the health center, which has been a source of pride for the community. However, the failure to install the sanctioned generator has overshadowed its aesthetic appeal, as the health center struggles with persistent electricity shortages.

Adding to the problems, the state of the lawn and road surrounding the NTPHC has deteriorated over time, with numerous potholes and a lack of proper maintenance. During rainfall, the road becomes impassable, making it difficult for vehicles to access the health center.

The Sarpanch of the area housing the NTPHC in Imamsahab expressed serious concerns over the deplorable condition of the health facilities and the lack of essential amenities, which has hampered the health center’s ability to serve nearly 40 villages in the region. The non-installation of the sanctioned generator and the poor road conditions have exacerbated the situation. Despite the Sarpanch’s efforts to allocate funds for an electricity transformer, the plight of the health center remains unresolved.

Adding to the woes, the Sarpanch revealed that an ambulance, which was briefly available at the health center, has disappeared, leaving the facility without any emergency transportation capabilities. This has raised questions about the accountability and transparency in managing essential resources for public health improvement.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Shopian clarified that the responsibility for the installation of the sanctioned generator lies with the R&B department, assuring that the process will be carried out promptly. However, the CMO contested the claim about the missing ambulance, stating that an ambulance is already available at the NTPHC Imamsahab. Additionally, the CMO pledged to address the dilapidated road condition promptly through the R&B department of the district.

The CMO acknowledged that the NTPHC in Imamsahab was originally a smaller health center that had been upgraded to its current status, necessitating the allocation of additional resources, including doctors and staff, to meet the growing healthcare demands of the region.