Dispensary makeover a boon for residents

The fate of the government dispensary at Sarabha Nagar has taken a positive turn after its conversion into an Ayushman Arogya Kendra (AAK).

Upon visiting the facility, one is greeted by clean, well-maintained surroundings, with staff diligently working and doctors attending to patients. A few years ago, the dispensary struggled to stay afloat, with a lone Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) single-handedly managing its operations.

Currently, the dispensary sees a daily footfall of 70-80 patients, becoming a vital resource for nearby residents. Situated within the power colony, the centre also attracts residents from Sarabha Nagar, BRS Nagar, and surrounding areas. Additionally, immunisation services are conducted weekly.

The team at the dispensary now includes a doctor, a pharmacist, a clinical assistant, an ANM, and an ASHA worker. What was once a cramped and dilapidated room has now been transformed with improved infrastructure and facilities.

ANM Daljit Kaur, who has served at the dispensary for many years, shared her joy at the improvements. “This place has seen many ups and downs, but finally, everything is in place. Not only the staff but also the infrastructure has been upgraded. There was a time when snakes used to enter the backyard, but that’s no longer a concern,” she said.

Dr Saksham Kapoor, the doctor in charge, explained that before the dispensary became an AAK, most visitors were parents seeking vaccinations for their children. Now, patients with various ailments visit regularly, and on average, 70-80 patients come to the AAK daily. Regular medicine supplies and free diagnostic tests have further enhanced the service.

Purshotam, a local resident who visited the AAK with his wife, expressed his satisfaction with the services. “For minor ailments like fever, cough, and cold, my family and I come here for consultations. It’s reassuring to know that all tests are done free of charge,” he said.