PHOTO: PPI/FILE
To protest poor health care facilities, traders went on strike in Havelian Bazaar on Wednesday. The strike was called by Aiwan-e-Tijarat and Khaksar Tehrik after a series of consultations with the local political leadership.
Traders of the main bazaar and markets kept their shops and plazas partially closed from 9am to 12pm and took out a rally from Ameer Mohaviya Chowk. The participants denounced the provincial government, marching with banners marked with criticism. After marching through different bazaars, the rally returned to Mohaviya Chowk and the gathering took the shape of a public meeting.
Speakers said Rural Health Centre Havelian was upgraded to a D-Type hospital in 2008 after four decades. However, both the current and previous governments failed to ensure the provision of health facilities, exposing residents of Havelian tehsil to multiple health problems.
Former K-P MPA and Aiwan-e-Tijarat President Khursheed Azam said there were only five women doctors and one male doctor in the area, while there was no gynaecologist. He said arrangements for emergency services were lacking at the 40-bedded hospital, forcing the referral of patients to Ayub Medical Complex.
The traders warned of continued protests if Havelian hospital was not equipped and staffed with specialists and medical officers.
Havelian tehsil nazim Arsal Pervez, Zarshad, tehsil councilor Malik Shehzad and Usman Hashmi were prominent among those who spoke to protesters.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2016.
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