Blind eye: Hospital’s electricity issues persist despite CM’s notice

DHQ DI Khan still faces long blackouts, patients in jeopardy

DI KHAN: Around two weeks ago, photos of doctors carrying out a surgery with the help of nothing but a torch at the District Headquarters and Teaching Hospital in DI Khan went viral.

As a result, the hospital banned entry of journalists to the premises. This only fueled the fire and the CM, chief secretary and health director general took notice of the matter. An enquiry team was dispatched to look into the matter.

The chief secretary instructed DI Khan DC Mohtasim Billah to visit the hospital and hold negotiations to resolve the electricity issue. In spite of these steps by the provincial government, the matter has not been solved yet.

Both the electricity and generator system are problematic and the hospital often faces a power breakdown which creates problems for patients.

On Monday night, due to load-shedding and faults in the generator, 26 surgeries of different kinds were not performed, putting patients in severe jeopardy.

DHQ DI Khan currently has only one electricity feeder, while medical facilities usually have two for back up. In case one fails, the other can provide power to the emergency ward and the operation theatre.

“The hospital not only faces a lack of electricity, but there are other issues like the lack of hygiene and medicines,” said Asmatullah, a resident of DI Khan. “It is a big hospital, but is unfortunately ignored by the government,” he added.

The hospital faces a number of issues as there are active doctor lobbies, mismanagement and political interference.

Medical Superintendent Dr Fazalur Rehman is currently abroad and the hospital’s affairs are being run by Dr Farid Mehsud for the last three months. He declared himself the superintendent in the absence of Rehman.

Earlier, the hospital came in the limelight on social media when a video showed a heated and violent exchange between PTI’s Ali Amin Gandapur and doctors over the appointment of the medical superintendent.

The hospital, located on the south side of DI Khan, is a busy place where patients from South Waziristan are also treated.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31^st, 2016.