CMO Kupwara Orders Corrective Measures After Surprise Checks in Health Centres.

CMO Kupwara Orders Corrective Measures After Spot Checks in Health Centres.

Tarique Raheem 

Kupwara, July 15:

In a surprise inspection aimed at assessing the functioning of health institutions in the district, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kupwara, Dr Masarat Iqbal accompanied by the Deputy CMO, visited sever centres on Monday, taking stock of service delivery, staff attendance, and ongoing healthcare programmes.

The inspection covered Primary Health Centre (PHC) Wadipora and Ayushman Arogya Mandir Health and Wellness Centres (AAM-HWCs) located at Bakiakar, Dolipora, and Dohama, under Block Zachaldara and Villgam.

At PHC Wadipora, the team found the biometric attendance machine operational, though technical issues were preventing the printing of attendance reports. Three staff members, including lab technicians and a Community Health Officer, were present without proper uniforms and were fined as per norms. The Hospital Development Fund (HDF) records were reviewed, and the concerned officials were asked to submit an audit report within a week.

Only one Medical Officer was on duty at the time of inspection, while the other two were on night off. Both female multipurpose health workers (FMPHWs) were not present, and the centre had recorded no institutional deliveries in the past three months. The dental section was closed, the X-ray unit was non-functional due to staff shortage, and the ambulance was found off-road. The AYUSH medicine stock was also found insufficient.

The CMO directed the Block Medical Officer to resolve the technical issues with the biometric system, revise duty rosters within two days, deploy adequate staff, and ensure timely repair of the ambulance. Instructions were also given to the District Storekeeper to replenish AYUSH medicine supplies without delay.

At the AAM-HWC in Bakiakar, one ANM was present but not in uniform, while the other had reportedly been on extended leave. Immunization records were not properly maintained. The BMO was asked to revise the duty roster and strengthen supervision to ensure proper documentation and staff discipline.

Meanwhile, the health centres at Dolipora and Dohama were found locked during the visit. The staff posted at these centres were directed to report to CHC Tangdhar until further orders.

Meanwhile CMO Kupwara also did surprise visit to Sub District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara after 12:30 am reflected his commitment to ensuring quality patient care around the clock. Conducted at an unusual hour, the inspection aimed to assess on-ground realities firsthand. Such proactive initiatives not only help in identifying service gaps but also go a long way in boosting patient satisfaction and uplifting the morale of the healthcare staff.

Officials at the CMO office said the visit was part of ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency, accountability, and patient care in government health facilities. They noted that follow-up visits would be conducted to review compliance with the instructions issued.

The inspection has highlighted areas that require attention and has initiated steps aimed at strengthening the district’s primary healthcare system, particularly in rural and remote locations.

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