Kupwara, Jan 4: Healthcare services in Machil sector have collapsed under the weight of chronic staff shortages, with 18 of 37 sanctioned posts lying vacant for years—leaving just 19 employees to manage eight health centres across the remote, mountainous terrain.
The crisis has rendered several health facilities barely functional, with some operating without doctors or paramedical staff. For residents of this border sector, the staffing crisis becomes life-threatening during winter when heavy snowfall cuts off the area for weeks, making it nearly impossible to reach hospitals in Kupwara or elsewhere in the Valley.
Official data shows that of 37 sanctioned posts, only 19 are filled. Under the general cadre, just 4 of 18 sanctioned positions are occupied, leaving 14 vacant. The National Health Mission (NHM) fares slightly better with 15 of 19 posts filled, but 4 remain vacant.
“We have been facing unbearable hardships due to successive governments’ failure to post adequate medical staff,” said Habibullah, former Sarpanch of Machil. “During medical emergencies we are forced to carry patients on makeshift cots to reach Primary Health Centre Duddi and then to Kupwara.”
The staff shortage has hit pregnant women, elderly patients and those with chronic illnesses hardest. Residents say even basic first aid is unavailable at many centers, while some remain shuttered entirely for lack of staff.
“We have been appealing for years to fill vacant posts, but our voices have never been heard,” said Shabir Ahmad, a local resident. “It is unfortunate that even for basic healthcare facilities we are being ignored.”
The situation worsens dramatically in winter. When roads become impassable due to snow, residents have no option but to attempt dangerous journeys to reach functioning health facilities—often too late for effective treatment.
Despite repeated representations to authorities, the matter remains unresolved, leaving Machil’s population in despair. Residents have now appealed directly to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakina Itoo to fill all vacant posts and ensure they receive the same level of healthcare as those in accessible areas.
MLA Qaiser Jamsheed Lone said he has raised the issue with senior officials. “Hopefully some concrete action will be taken in this regard soon,” he told Greater Kashmir.