Ayurvedic dispensary struggles for basics

Satinder Pal Singh

Dera Bassi, May 18

The Ayurvedic Medical Officer (AMO) at the government ayurvedic dispensary in Mukandpur village here has been forced to use washroom and drinking water facilities of Government Elementary School, situated next to it.

Reason: The dispensary is situated in a remote area and lacks toilets and a drinking water facility. The helper, Seema, fetches water from the school or sometimes from the neighbourhood.

The building of the dispensary is also in a deplorable condition. Leave aside the basic amenities, the dispensary does not even has seating arrangements for patients.

Seated in a small room with no fan, AMO Anupama said despite repeated requests, the authorities failed to provide drinking water and toilets at the dispensary. “I use the washroom of the school, which sometimes feels awkward,” the AMO rued.

According to the Ayurvedic Medical Officer, she had urged the authorities concerned to repair the dispensary but to no avail. She has requested for a drinking water facility, toilets and whitewashing of the building.

The post of the pharmacist has also lying vacant for years. The Ayurvedic Medical Officer added that some months ago, she had hired a helper for the dispensary. Call it a lack of awareness or sheer indifference, the village panchayat has not formed any sub-committee to deal with the functioning of the dispensary.

Dr Rakesh Sharma, Director, Ayurveda, could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.