Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Various populated satellite townships like Kolar, Misrod, Anand Nagar, Ayodhya Bypass (Bhanpur-Karond) and Katara-Laharpur-Barkheda Pathani in Bhopal do not have upgraded government health care institutes such as civil hospitals.
As a result, residents largely depend on private hospitals or basic Primary Health Centres (PHCs), sub-centres and Sanjeevani clinics. Each area has a population ranging between 2 to 3 lakh, with Kolar, Barkheda Pathani-Katara Hills-Laharpur and Bhanpur-Karond each housing around 3 lakh people, while Misrod’s population exceeds 2 to 2.25 lakh.
The lack of upgraded public health facilities puts a heavy burden on district and referral hospitals like Hamidia, as patients from these far-flung areas often face difficulties reaching them, spending more on transport than on medicines.
Community Health Centres (CHCs), which should be staffed with postgraduate doctors in paediatrics, gynaecology, surgery and medicine along with trained paramedical staff, are largely absent.
Sunil Upadhyaya, president of New Colonies Welfare Association, said that only Sant Hirdaram Nagar (Bairagarh) has a functional CHC, while Misrod has a PHC near the PWD office. Kolar’s PHC is still awaiting an upgrade to CHC status. “These are big populated areas and must have civil hospitals,” he said.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Manish Sharma told Free Press that CHCs have been developed at Govindpura and Ratibad, and delivery services with a full operation theatre will soon start at Govindpura.
He acknowledged the need to upgrade more public health institutions to reduce the burden on district hospitals and said the health department is actively working on this.
Poor health infra
Each satellite township has population between 2 and 3 lakh
No upgraded public health centres or civil hospitals in these areas
Residents depend on private hospitals or basic PHCs
Heavy patient load strains district hospital and transport costs burden patients.
