A dispensary, established in memory of a martyr, is facing an uncertain future. Built in memory of Haveldar Lalik Jan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, who was awarded the prestigious award for laying his life in the Kargil conflict, the dispensary was catering to the medical needs of thousands of inhabitants of the Northern Areas, but for over one month it was closed down.
The dispensary named after the martyred Haveldar was built in his native village Hundur Yasin in Ghazer district, to cater to the needs of the poor villagers in Northern Areas. A piece of land measuring four kanals was donated by a co-villager Baber Khan for the free-of-cost dispensary, but on the condition that once completed, he and his son would get some employment there.
Though the dispensary has been in operation for the last four years, the department did nothing to employ the donor and his son.
The reminders by Baber Khan to the department were ignored.
It was in September this year that the district health officer (DHO) sent a letter to Babar Khan saying that he should continue to perform his duties voluntarily till a subordinate post is created for him.
It was shocking and frustrating for the landowner to learn that the department failed to keep its promise. As a last resort, he locked the premises since he failed to get any benefit for the valuable land given by him.
Though the dispensary is closed since October, the medical staff is receiving their monthly salary for virtually doing nothing.
The inhabitants are now denied of a modicum of health facilities at the dispensary, the nearest health centre being 20km away.
The shabby treatment meted out to the landowner is highly despicable. And the closure of the dispensary named after the military's highest honour is equally insulting.