Operation Theatre closed at Barkas Community Health Centre

The residents of Barkas are up in arms and want the operation theatre at the Community Health Centre to become operational once again. The theatre has been closed for the last six months for want of better equipment.

After the formation of Telangana State the Community Health Centre became popular as the operation theatre that was closed for over 10 years was restarted. However, six months ago it was again closed down.

Locals have been vocal and have been complaining to the authorities to no avail. Mohammed Arif, a resident of Barkas said, “After the formation of the state 1,700 major and minor operations was performed and the locals were very happy with the services.”

It is alleged that the medical officer Dr Raghu Raj did not spend Rs 35 lakh sanctioned for upgrading equipment at the Community Health Centre and was collecting Rs 2 from patients, which is against the rules.

Talla Kaseri, committee member of the Community Health Centre, Barkas says, “The area has a huge population that is poor and cannot afford to go to corporate hospitals. The Community Health Centre is a popular place for all ailments. We were very happy after the operation theatre was operation in 2014 but due to apathy by a few people it is once again closed.”

Two doctors- Dr Masood and Dr Vikram are very popular among the local community and over the past years gained a lot of goodwill were transferred and locals have been demanding that they be brought back.

Fatima Begum, a resident Barkas says, “Dr Vikram even gave us money to buy fruits after my sister was operated. The doctor went out of his way and worked beyond his duty hours. Why was he transferred? We want an answer.”