2 Rajouri health blocks hit by shortage of staff, ambulances

QUOTE: “Of the three ambulances, only one is available at Sub-District Hospital, Kalakot. More than 100 persons are already under quarantine at Kalakot, while the authorities are making arrangements for more than 500 persons/labourers who are coming back from other parts of the country,” Rashpal Singh, Former MLA

Shyam Sood

Rajouri, May 11

Despite the health sector being a priority during the pandemic, a few health blocks in Rajouri district are facing a shortage of doctors, paramedical staff and ambulances.

The Block Medical Officer, Kotranka, said of the seven ambulances sanctioned to various health centres in the block, only three were in working order.

The shortage of ambulances has hit the transportation of patients and shifting of people to administrative quarantine centres.

Former National Conference MLA Rashpal Singh has appealed to Lt Governor GC Murmu to issue directions to the health department and the district administration to immediately provide ambulances, doctors and paramedical staff and establish a coronavirus testing facility at Kalakot.

Most of the health centres in Kalakot and Kotranka blocks are situated in the far-flung areas and the poor are the worst affected as they cannot afford to travel in private vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Pharmaceuticals and Drugs Association, Jammu, has sent a consignment of sodium hypochlorite solution, which was received by Additional Deputy Commissioner Sher Singh and District Nodal Officer for Covid-19 Bilal Mir.

The spray of sodium hypochlorite is used for disinfecting purposes and has been found effective in the fight against the coronavirus.