At Amchi health centre, sweepers prescribe medicines to patients

The New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) opened at Amchi-Kundal hamlet in Sonawari Tehsil here is a living example of lax attitude of health authorities as the hospital is lacking both, infrastructure and man power.

Locals told that the NTPHC was established in 2011 but construction work of the building was stopped mid way due to unknown reasons, sending dismay among thousands of patients of the area.

“The Centre was inaugurated by local MLA, Muhammad Akbar Lone but nothing was done to complete the construction work,” Farooq Ahmad, a local resident said. He further said that the NTPHC was functioning in three rented rooms of Auqaf building where patients don’t have electricity, water and bathroom facility.

Locals alleged that apart from nursing orderlies, ‘sweepers also prescribe medicines as doctors remain usually off from duty.’

“Apart from nursing orderlies, even sweepers prescribe medicines and administer injections to patients thereby risking their lives,” locals said.

The locals alleged that even after passing of four years, the NTPHC has not been provided an ambulance.

“There is acute shortage of doctors, nursing and other staff,” locals said.

Chief Medical Officer Bandipora, Dr Bilquees Mir said that sweepers can also prescribe medicines and give vaccination to patients. “There is no harm in this as we have well trained and educated sweepers who can inject vaccines and prescribe medicines in the Centre,” Dr Bilquees said.

She further admitted that due to shortage of doctors and medicare staff, sweepers were taking care of patients in the Centre.