HAJIN: The Community Health Centre (CHC) Hajin achieved a major milestone by successfully performing its first-ever emergency appendectomy.
The surgery was conducted by general surgeon Dr Iqbal Ahmad, with anaesthesia support from Dr Khalid, an anaesthesia consultant.
Sajad Ahmad, a local resident, told Kashmir Reader: “Dr Iqbal, apart from being a kind-hearted person, is the best performer among the surgeons CHC Hajin has seen till date. He could set new benchmarks in excellence and help the CHC reach new heights if he continues with the same commitment.”
Another local, Mehraj-ud-Din, said residents have high hopes from Dr Iqbal. “He is honest, dedicated, and a great doctor. He is doing what many senior surgeons couldn’t do here despite having more experience,” he said.
He added, “Dr Iqbal has become a new hope for poor patients of the area.” Earlier, patients were routinely referred to government or private hospitals for such procedures.”
Locals said such surgeries cost between ₹25,000 and ₹50,000 in private hospitals, but Dr Iqbal’s efforts ensured the procedure was carried out free of cost at the CHC.
Residents said that before the surgeon joined CHC Hajin, people had to travel to Srinagar or other areas for these surgeries. “Now the procedures are being done here, which is a big relief for poor patients,” they added.