SHANGLA: Residents of Alpuri have expressed concerns over the mismanagement of the district headquarters hospital, citing the deployment of most doctors to the emergency section. This has resulted in patients visiting the outpatient department facing difficulties in receiving proper medical attention.
Local residents told journalists on Friday that the district headquarters hospital is the sole medical facility for the entire district, catering to 500-800 patients daily. However, mismanagement and a shortage of specialist doctors have created significant challenges for the local community.
Ateeq Ur Rehman, a local elder, stated that the eye surgeon is often deployed at the emergency section, leaving the outpatient department unattended for three out of five working days. Similarly, the gastroenterologist is also assigned to the emergency section, neglecting their duties at the hospital’s OPD.
“The government-run hospital only conducts ultrasounds two days a week, forcing patients to visit private facilities for the remaining days,” Mr. Rehman claimed. “Additionally, out of 200 class-IV employees, only 60-70 report for duty, while the rest remain absent throughout the month.”
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Bakht Munir, a local PML-N leader, expressed frustration over the hospital’s referral system. “During emergencies, doctors at the emergency section take 5-10 minutes to examine patients before referring them to Swat. What is the purpose of having such a large hospital with 200 class-IV employees and medical officers on the payroll if they cannot provide adequate healthcare?”
Fazal Maula, a local resident, alleged that hospital management has implemented a duty rotation system, allowing doctors and supporting staff to work only two days a week at the DHQ hospital. The remaining days are spent at their private clinics.
Malak Adalat Khan, a local notable, emphasized that it is the responsibility of the district administration and MPAs to address this issue at the assembly and inform the health department’s high-ups. “Unfortunately, our leaders have other priorities.”
When contacted, Deputy Medical Officer Dr. Sajjad Khan acknowledged the issue of doctors’ deployment and attributed it to political interference. “Illegal postings have been made in the hospital due to pressure from politicians and ruling MPAs. We are helpless in streamlining the hospital without support from senior management.”
A senior hospital doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the hospital has been compromised by political interference. “The medical superintendent is the cousin of the PTI tehsil chairman and rarely visits the hospital. Illegal orders are issued, and appointments are made despite opposition from doctors and staff.”
