Rajouri, April 13: People here at Budhal in Rajouri district today held a protest alleging that a serious patient referred to Government College & Associated Hospital at Rajouri for urgent treatment had to wait for about one hour for the ambulance.
The alleged only ambulance (out of sanctioned 2) available at Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Budhal was not available despite repeated calls to concerned senior health officials.
Manzoor Ahmed Naik, a political & social activist said that later they approached 108 Emergency Ambulance Service but it also reached after about 45 minutes.
“Had the patient was not shifted to GMC&AH in time in the absence of an ambulance, he would have died,” said Manzoor.
He added the PHC at Budhal is in dilapidated condition and only about 30% of employees come for the duty that too on a rotational basis.
At the time of shifting the patient only one doctor out of three was on duty while there is no post of Safaiwala that speaks a lot about the hygienic & sanitary condition of this health institution.
“The matter about malfunctioning in this PHC was also raised in the past with Chief Medical Officer, but even she didn’t bother to visit Budhal” said Manzoor.
Dr.Iqbal Malik, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Kandi said that out of two ambulances with Budhal PHC, one is at Jammu since 2018 to be converted for Critical Care services.
The only ambulance was sent to GMC Rajouri to shift a 12 year old serious patient, namely Mohd Sahid and had reached Budhal when the patient was about to shift in 108 service ambulance as the attendants preferred 108 service.
“Out of two posts of MBBS doctors (regular side), one post is vacant. Two ISM doctors (under NRHM) are also available. One is performing night duty and the other is deputed for afternoon duty while MBBS doctor is available during morning duty” said BMO.
“In case the CMO/BMO fails to improve the working conditions in this PHC soon, the public will come on the roads in favour of their demands,” said Manzoor.
