Deprived of basic medical facilities, Mulkhow residents go on hunger strike

WARIJUN, Dec 15: About 100 to 150 people of Mulkhow have started a symbolic hunger strike here against unavailability of facilities at the Rural Health Centre (RHC) of Warijun. The protesters said that even first-aid facility was not available at the centre which is also without any medical and paramedical staff. As a result, the area people have been facing lots of hardship to meet basic healthcare needs. They said that despite taking up the issue with the authorities concerned, no steps were being taken to resolve the issues. They demanded that the X-ray machine at the centre should be repaired or replaced as it had never been used since its purchase many years ago. The laboratory machines such as micro-lab are also not available. The residents said that the RHC also needed a power generator for emergency supply of electricity. The ambulance at the time of its purchase looked like second hand or a non-customs paid vehicle and should be replaced or upgraded. They also asked the authorities concerned to appoint a doctor especially female at the centre. They said that the building of the centre should also be renovated and expanded. The symbolic hunger strike will continue for five days up to December 20 after which it will be extended to eight hours daily for another five days. If the demands were not met even then, protesters would go on an indefinite 24-hour hunger strike. An additional assistant commissioner, Mr Israr, reached the venue of the hunger strike from Booni to hold talks with the protesters to end their strike. But the talks failed and the hunger strikers announced to continue their protest for three days after which they would decide their future course of action. When District Health Officer Dr. Israrullah was contacted to know his version, he said all it was beyond his capacity and authority to provide the facilities for which he has approached the high ups. He said that all his efforts to end the hunger strike ended in failure as he visited the venue to assure the people of providing the required facilities.]]>