Suhail Bhat
Baramulla, Aug 8: The healthcare and administrative services of Sheeri Health block in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district has been badly affected due to the lack of Block Medical Officer (BMO).
An official told Excelsior that the administration has failed to depute an officer despite the passing of four months since the post fell vacant. “The block is headless since Dr Sheikh Farooq, who was holding the charge of BMO, retired from the services,” the official said, adding that both employees and patients of the entire block are facing inconvenience in absence of the officer.
Sheeri Medical block is considered as the second largest block in the Baramulla district and nearly 39 health centres including 9 Primary Health Centers (PHCs), 28 Sub Centers, Community Health Centre (CHC) and a Medical Aid Centres comes under its jurisdiction.
The health officials rued that both the administrative and healthcare services of these institutions have been badly hit due to the lack of a BMO. “The appointment of an officer in this sensitive block is imperative as it caters to the health care of a vast population. With the third wave knocking at our doors, the appointment becomes more important,” an official said.
The official said that the supply of emergency medicine has also been badly hit in absences of the officer. “None has the powers to purchase the medicine so the medical supplies of almost all the institutes of the block remain affected. God forbid if any untoward incident happens at any of the health centres no one is there to take responsibility,” another official said.
The locals have also urged the administration to appoint the officer so that grievances of the people are heard. “We have several pending demands like the appointment of a gynaecologist in the Sheeri hospitals but there is no one who can listen to our issues,” Ali Mohammad, a local said.
The department has given the charges of BMO to a doctor but she has no drawing and disbursing powers. “The HDF employees are facing problems in drawing their salaries. The other issues of the employees are also getting delayed for no other reason,” the official said.
Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad rather, told Excelsior that they have sent a proposal to the Government.
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