Srinagar- The government on Monday clarified that the hospital in Srinagar’s Chanapora area operates as a Primary Health Centre (PHC) and not as a Sub-District Hospital (SDH).
Responding to an inquiry from MLA Mushtaq Guroo, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that in 2010-11, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of India approved a 30-bedded hospital at PHC Chanapora under the National Health Mission (NHM). The facility was subsequently constructed and inaugurated as a PHC in 2014.
“The PHC Chanapora operates as per official timings, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The staff includes 21 personnel from the regular side and 2 from the NHM side. Currently, 17 staff members from the regular side, including 4 medical officers and 2 dental surgeons, are in position, along with 2 NHM staff members,” Itoo stated.
The minister reiterated that the hospital functions as a PHC and not an SDH but has been strengthened with additional equipment and manpower through NHM. She emphasized that the PHC ensures equitable access to quality healthcare, offering free screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancers (oral, breast, and cervical).
“Essential medicines and diagnostic facilities are available free of cost, with PHCs providing 175 drugs and 39 diagnostic tests, while sub-centres offer 96 drugs and 14 diagnostic tests. The PHC is also actively engaged in preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare services, emphasizing early detection, disease management, and community wellness programs,” Itoo added.
Addressing concerns about external influence over hospital facilities, the minister confirmed that no room at PHC Chanapora has been allotted to any NGO. However, she mentioned that a geriatric centre for elderly care has been established at the facility and is currently operational.
In response to another question from MLA Justice Hasnain Masoodi, Itoo underscored the role of sports in curbing drug addiction among youth. She stated that engaging young people in sports activities serves as an effective deterrent against substance abuse, keeping them away from harmful influences and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
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