Gurez residents demand permanent gynaecologist as winter isolation risks pregnant womenAnchor:-With the onset of harsh winter, pregnant women from the remote Gurez Valley are forced to migrate to the plains every year as the region continues to remain without a permanent gynaecologist. Heavy snowfall cuts off Gurez from the rest of the world for nearly three months, often resulting in delayed medical care and preventable deaths.Residents who spoke to this reporter said authorities must find a long-term solution instead of temporary arrangements.“We have been given one gynaecologist on a rotational basis for just 15 days,” said Mohammad Hamza Lone, a local resident. “His posting is also in Kupwara. It takes him two days to reach Gurez and settle, and then he has to prepare again to leave. Locals continue to suffer. We lost several babies on the Razdan Pass due to the absence of a doctor at SDH Gurez. We need a permanent solution because in winter we remain stuck inside our homes.”Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, said the district administration is working to ensure that a permanent gynaecologist is stationed in Gurez for the winter months.She added that many expectant mothers whose due dates fall in the next few months have already moved to the plains. “Those who cannot travel remain in the valley as they do not want to leave their homes,” she said.The administration, she added, is prepared to deal with emergencies. “If roads remain closed, helicopter services will be started immediately for medical evacuations.”