The Japanese-funded 134-bed DHQ hospital was built after the devastating earthquake of 2005 and was constructed keeping in view the future needs of the district. All necessary machinery and facilities were provided, except for medical staff because hiring falls under the domain of the health department.
Overworked
It has been seven years since the hospital became functional, however, a sufficient number of doctors are yet to be made available. Only 11 medical officers (MO) and three specialists are working in the hospital at the moment although posts of 44 MOs and 14 specialists were approved for it.
Interestingly, the state-of-the-art building also lacks a functioning ear, nose and throat, surgery, paediatrics, orthopaedic, dental and eye departments, because of the non-availability of the relevant specialists.
According to DHQ Hospital Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Jawad, more than 1,200 people visit the out-patient department of the hospital every day from Kohistan, Torghar, Shangla and Chatar Plain in Mansehra. “The available strength of 11 MOs can barely cater to the needs of so many patients,” he said.
The doctor added that the hospital only has a single-phase electricity connection which cannot meet its power needs.
“For the past seven years, Pesco is yet to install a three-phase system, forcing the management to use generators,” said Dr Jawad.
Battagram Doctors Association’s Dr Salim told The Express Tribune a number of seats for nurses, paramedics and ward orderlies have been lying vacant in the district hospital for the last few years.
“The provincial government has failed to fill these positions, which is indicative of its discriminatory policies,” said Dr Salim.
He added the staff shortage is adversely affecting healthcare services in Battagram and repeated complaints to senior officials have fallen on deaf ears.
Dr Salim said under the World Health Organization’s guidelines, an MO is supposed to examine 26 patients in a day and a specialist is supposed to examine 14.
“But a DHQ hospital MO examines more than 120 patients per day, while specialists are also similarly burdened,” he added.
The doctor warned that the hospital’s overburdened doctors would stop performing their duties if the government does not fill the vacant positions of doctors and paramedical staff on a priority basis.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2014.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ