Hadi Hidayat
Srinagar, September 26, 2026: The residents of Chanapora and adjoining areas have once again urged the concerned authorities to take immediate steps for the upgradation and full operationalisation of Primary Health Centre (PHC) Chanapora as a 24×7 Sub-District Hospital.
The residents expressed serious concern over the non-functioning of the X-ray unit at PHC Chanapora for the last six months due to the non-availability of an X-ray Technician. Despite the issue being brought to the notice of the concerned department several times, the facility has not yet been made functional. As a result, patients are being compelled to approach private diagnostic centres for X-ray examinations, causing additional financial and logistical burden, particularly for poor and needy families.
Residents questioned why such a substantial healthcare infrastructure was created if it was not to be utilised to its full potential. The PHC has a 50-bedded capacity, with approximately ₹23 crore reportedly spent on its development, along with two modular operation theatres, two oxygen plants, hotline power supply, lift facilities and modern medical infrastructure and equipment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the operation theatres at PHC Chanapora were made functional, where hundreds of LSCS procedures were reportedly performed. However, after the COVID period ended, the operation theatres were subsequently closed, despite the existing infrastructure and the continuing healthcare needs of the local population.
Residents stated that making PHC Chanapora fully functional on a 24×7 basis and upgrading it to a Sub-District Hospital would significantly strengthen healthcare services in the area and could also help reduce the patient burden on major hospitals in Srinagar.
The residents of Chanapora have appealed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and the present Government to personally intervene and direct the concerned Health Department authorities to:
Immediately restore the X-ray facility by posting an X-ray Technician.
Make the existing operation theatres functional.
Ensure adequate availability of doctors, paramedical staff and other essential personnel.
Make PHC Chanapora fully functional on a 24×7 basis.
Expedite its upgradation to a Sub-District Hospital.
The residents said that the existing infrastructure should be utilised for the benefit of the public rather than remaining underutilised. They expressed hope that the Government and the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor will consider the long-pending demand on priority and take concrete measures to strengthen healthcare services for Chanapora and its adjoining areas
