Residents protest relocation of health centre in Sirsa

Centre has been operating in a dilapidated building, was set to move to a nearby rented facility to ensure safety and improved healthcare services

Tribune News Service

Sirsa, Updated At : 05:35 AM Dec 07, 2024 IST

Health Department officials talk to residents of Chattargarh Patti.

The relocation of the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in the Chattargarh Patti area of Sirsa faced significant resistance from residents on Friday, preventing the Health Department from completing the shift. The centre, which has been operating in a dilapidated building, was set to move to a nearby rented facility to ensure safety and improved healthcare services. However, the residents are not in favour of the relocation.

According to Dr Rajesh Chaudhary, Deputy Civil Surgeon, the existing building was deemed unsafe for continued operations. Following a recent inspection by the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) team, it was recommended that the centre be shifted. The Health Department had planned to shift the centre just two streets away to a rented building, which would also allow for the installation of an X-ray machine and the continuation of blood and sugar testing services. The new building would also offer a more modern setting for better service delivery.

However, residents Inder Saini and Geeta Saini, voiced opposition to the move, citing the accessibility of the current location. They argued that the centre was in the area for over a decade and was easily reachable. They feared that shifting the centre would inconvenience patients, particularly elderly residents, who relied on it for their regular healthcare needs.

Inder Saini said a complaint had been filed through the Chief Minister's window, expressing their concerns about the relocation. Geeta Saini also stated that they had informed MLA Gokul Setia about the issue. In response, the MLA arranged a meeting with the residents and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.

The Health Department halted the relocation process on Friday after the protests. The MLA has promised to work with the health authorities to find a solution that satisfies the department’s needs and the community's concerns. The centre currently serves over 100 outpatients daily and offers critical healthcare services such as blood tests and sample collection for further testing at the district hospital.