By | Dr. Ashfaq Lone
Karnah Kupwara: In light of the intense shelling and escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) in the border region of Karnah, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved an increase in capacity for the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tangdhar from 30 beds to 50 beds, with potential plans for further expansion in the near future. To expedite the enhancement of medical facilities, a high-level team from the Health Department has been dispatched to Tangdhar for inspection, aiming to bolster essential healthcare services promptly.
This crucial decision comes at a time when the border villages of Karnah are under severe shelling, forcing local residents to live under constant fear. The expansion of bed capacity at the hospital is being seen as a much-needed and timely step to address the rising medical needs amid the crisis.
MLA Karnah, Javaid Mirchal, expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Dr. Sakeena Itoo for their swift response. “In these testing times, the government’s solidarity with the border residents is truly encouraging,” Mirchal stated. He added that just two days ago, he had requested the government not only to increase the number of beds but also to provide two additional ambulances. “I am hopeful that this demand will also be fulfilled soon,” he remarked.
Mirchal is currently in Karnah, personally overseeing the situation and ensuring that relief measures are effectively implemented. He emphasized that the government’s quick response restores confidence among the people living in these conflict-prone areas.
Along with MLA Mirchal, Private Secretary Haji Tasleem Mir also visited the affected areas, including Bhatpora Village, where five houses were completely gutted, Triboni Village, where one house was destroyed, and Main Market Tangdhar, where many shops were damaged and three houses were partially affected. During the visit, they assessed the damage and interacted with the affected families, assuring them of immediate relief measures and government support.
In addition, in Medical Block Tangdar, three Medical Officers and a Lab Technician have been deployed from Ganderbal to further strengthen healthcare facilities in the border region. These professionals have been stationed at PHC Teetwal, PHC Chitterkote, and PHC Gabra to provide immediate medical assistance to those in need amid the ongoing crisis.
It is noteworthy that for the past three nights, intense shelling from the Pakistani side has targeted border villages, damaging several houses and compelling residents to move to safer locations.
“The government’s immediate action is a ray of hope for the border residents during this challenging period,” Mirchal concluded, reiterating his commitment to standing alongside the people of Karnah.
Further expansion of the hospital’s capacity is being considered to meet the rising medical demands of the conflict-hit region, bringing hope for better healthcare services in the near future.
