The issues and problematic situations affecting the functioning of community health centre in Joshimath appear to be rising instead of being resolved. For some days now, people in need of medical attention are not able to undergo medical tests at this CHC due to issues pertaining to the pathology laboratory and the X-ray machine and ultrasound machine being kept behind locked doors.
Apart from the local residents, the problematic situation experienced from time to time at the Joshimath, CHC is also detrimental to the condition of pilgrims and tourists in Joshimath- the last prominent city on the road to Badrinath.
Due to this, the people have no other option but to approach private treatment facilities which are also costlier than government medical treatment service. The inoperative state of this medical centre is causing major problems especially for those people who travel to Joshimath from their remote rural residence for medical treatment.
However, it appears as if the health and medical department has remained blind to the condition of the Joshimath CHC in Chamoli district posing problems to the public.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Joshimath CHC is the sole Government community health centre to serve areas including Badrinath, lokpal and Hemkund Sahib and the remote border area. However, the rooms containing various diagnostic equipment remain locked much to the inconvenience of the public.
Despite the importance of the Joshimath CHC, the functioning of this Government medical treatment facility has been affected detrimentally by various issues and snags which have not yet been resolved with long-term solution.
The pathology laboratory meant to facilitate necessary medical tests and analysis is not being operated as required. The laboratory technician was employed here on a contract basis and since the end of the contract period the laboratory has remained locked in the absence of a lab technician.
The status of the X-ray facility at this CHC has remained uncertain because the condition of the x-ray service building has deteriorated. The authorities are purported to be awaiting construction of a new unit for this equipment without having made any temporary substitute for conducting x-ray facility which is presently not being provided in the CHC.
The locals point out that there was some relief for the public due to appointment of few doctors in the Joshimath CHC but in absence of diagnostic equipment facility, the situation faced by the patients has not improved.
Public are suffering from various problem in accessing the Government medical treatment facility. According to the CHC medical officer Dr Sanjay Kumar Gupta, a report on the status of this CHC has been sent to the district medical health centre. However, the appointment of lab technician has not yet been made.