Health

In the calm yet challenging landscape of South Kashmir, the village of Sallar has long depended on its Primary Health Centre (PHC) as the first point of medical care. Situated on an important route leading to Pahalgam and the Amarnath Yatra, the area serves not just locals but also tourists and pilgrims. Today, residents say the time has come for the government to fulfil its long-standing promise and upgrade the Sallar PHC into a full-fledged Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Locals say the demand is not political, but born out of daily hardship. In nearly a 40-kilometre stretch from Pahalgam to Bijbehara, there is no properly equipped hospital to handle emergencies, surgeries, or specialised treatment. The existing PHCs, including Sallar, work with limited staff, basic facilities, and inadequate diagnostic tools. Anything beyond minor treatment forces patients to travel over 30 kilometres to Anantnag District Hospital.

For residents, this gap often turns critical situations into life-threatening ones. Pregnant women facing complications, farmers injured during work, or elderly patients needing urgent care must travel long distances on narrow and difficult roads. During winter, when snow blocks routes and visibility drops, delays become even more dangerous. Many families recall painful incidents where patients reached the district hospital too late.

The Sallar PHC is among the oldest health centres in Anantnag district. Despite limited resources, it has continued to serve people during conflicts, natural disasters, and routine emergencies. In 2023, it even ranked second among PHCs in Jammu and Kashmir under the National Health Mission, highlighting its performance and potential. Yet, residents say, it remains stuck at the primary level with outdated infrastructure.

Over the years, several inspections, public meetings, and official visits have raised hopes. In December 2025, reports suggested that a committee under Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) had proposed upgrading seven PHCs to SDH level, with Sallar placed high on the list. Assurances were also given about new IPD and OPD blocks. However, as 2026 begins, locals say nothing has moved on the ground.

The recent exclusion of Sallar PHC from the Tele Medicine Scheme has added to the frustration. Residents believe this decision has denied them even temporary access to specialist consultations, further widening the healthcare gap. “We keep hearing about budgets, procedures, and priorities, but for us these delays mean real suffering,” locals said.

While residents acknowledge improvements in healthcare across Jammu and Kashmir—such as new medical colleges, critical care blocks, and expanded health schemes—they say rural areas like Sallar continue to be overlooked. With existing SDHs in Bijbehara and Shangus, people question why this crucial belt, which sees heavy tourist and pilgrimage movement, remains underserved.

Upgrading Sallar PHC to an SDH would mean inpatient facilities, emergency care, specialist doctors, diagnostic labs, and ambulance services. Locals say this would reduce pressure on Anantnag District Hospital, save lives, and strengthen healthcare support for both residents and visitors.

The community, including farmers, shopkeepers, students, and elders, has united behind the demand. Local advocates have raised the issue repeatedly, and residents say they are prepared to submit formal representations through health authorities and official grievance portals if needed.

For the people of Sallar, healthcare is not a privilege but a basic right. They say upgrading the PHC is not just about buildings or beds—it is about dignity, safety, and trust in governance. After years of waiting, residents say the message is clear: the time for promises is over, and the time for action has arrived.

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