5 day hunger strike ends in Gurez after gynaecologist posted
Operation theatre made functional
Mir Aatif
Gurez, Bandipora, Oct 26 (KINS): A five-day hunger strike and peaceful protest in Gurez ended on Monday after the administration addressed two key demands concerning healthcare facilities in the remote valley: the posting of a gynaecologist at Community Health Centre (CHC) Dawar and the activation of its operation theatre.
The protest, led by political activist Hamza Lone along with social activists and local youth, began on October 21 following the death of a pregnant woman from Tulail and her baby. The tragic incident brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by residents of Gurez in accessing essential maternal and emergency healthcare services.
The protesters demanded the immediate posting of a gynaecologist at CHC Dawar, the operationalisation of its operation theatre and the deployment of a radiologist to strengthen healthcare services in the area.
During the five-day agitation, a gynaecologist was posted at CHC Dawar and the operation theatre was made functional, marking progress on two of the major demands raised by the protesters.
Following discussions with the administration, the protesters called off their hunger strike.
Speaking to the media after the protest concluded, Hamza Lone expressed gratitude to the social activists and local youth who supported the agitation throughout the five days. He also thanked the government and the administration for taking steps to address the healthcare concerns raised by the people of Gurez.
Lone said the protest aimed to ensure access to essential medical facilities for residents of the remote valley, particularly pregnant women and patients who often face difficulties in obtaining timely treatment.
While the posting of a gynaecologist and the activation of the operation theatre have addressed two key demands, the protesters stressed that the deployment of a radiologist at CHC Dawar remains necessary.
The conclusion of the hunger strike has brought an end to the five-day agitation, but residents continue to look to the administration for further improvements in healthcare infrastructure and services to ensure that people in Gurez and Tulail can access timely medical care closer to home.
