Dysfunctional rural health centers slow down Covid-19 vaccination drive in Agra

These health centers have doubled up as cattle sheds, granaries and the dens of local musclemen. They serve every purpose except the primary one - to provide medical facilities to the public.

Contrary to the tall claims made by the Yogi Adityanath government regarding the vaccination drive underway in Uttar Pradesh, several rural health centers in the Agra district are either closed or barely functioning. When India Today visited Vijaygarhi in the Pinahat tehsil area of Agra, local residents said that the primary health center (PHC) in the village has been shut down for several years and the premises are currently being used to tie cattle and store straw and cow dung cakes. Local officials claimed that all PHCs will soon be operational after cleaning the building premises and repairs. According to the villagers, Vijaygarhi PHC had been established 8-10 years back but after the initial days, no staff was posted there. As a result, the PHC shut down. The building is in a dilapidated condition and local musclemen have occupied it and are using it for their own purpose.