Medical staff in Bara urged to address patients’ needs

Governor speaks to workers, patients at Dogra Hospital and Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Bara

JAMRUD: The medical staff at hospitals in Bara subdivision of Khyber Agency has been urged to perform their duties regularly and ensure adequate provision of medicines to patients.

The demand has been put forward by Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra. He was speaking during a surprise visit to Bara.

Jhagra voiced his disappointment over the deplorable condition of hospitals in the subdivision. He visited Dogra Hospital and Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Bara.

“The lack of cleanliness and basic medicines at hospitals is adding to the miseries of tribespeople,” he said.

During his visit, Jhagra met the medical staff at the emergency units, out-patient departments and dispensaries at both hospitals. He also spoke to patients at both facilities and heard their grievances over the dearth of facilities at the hospital.

Sans facilities

Residents and social activists of Bara have also complained about the dearth of surgeons, specialists and medical equipment at Jamrud Civil Hospital.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Wahab Afridi, a social activist, said the electrocardiogram (ECG) machine and operation theatre were missing at the hospital’s emergency units.

“Most people have to take their patients to facilities in Peshawar in case of an emergency,” he said. “Many of these patients end up dying while they are being taken to Peshawar.”

Afridi urged the government to provide ECG machines, technicians, surgeons and specialists to
the hospital.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2016.