Health fair planned in Rawalpindi division

Citizens will get free-of-cost, easily accessible medical facilities

RAWALPINDI:

In order to provide free-of-cost and easily accessible medical facilities to the citizens in the rural areas, a schedule has been prepared for holding a three-day health fair in Rawalpindi and other cities of the division including Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal and Murree from March 20 to 22.

Sources said free medical tests, doctor's consultations and supply of medicines will be ensured to the citizens at the health fair.

The health fair will be held at four different locations in the Rawalpindi district while a mobile health lab will be available at each location.

The sources said that the citizens will be able to get guidelines from the consultants for follow-up treatment of any pre-existing disease. As many as 12 doctors with their support staff will be present at the location, the sources added.

According to sources, due to the increasing burden on the health network due to the rising number of patients in government hospitals, it has been decided to organise health fairs for the provision of free-of-cost and easily accessible treatment facilities in rural areas.

On the arrival of the spring season, the Government of Punjab is organising health fairs across the province in those public hospitals which offer fewer treatment facilities.

Citizens not only avoid coming to big cities due to their weak financial position, but they also cannot afford treatment in private hospitals, the sources said.

According to the Director of Health Services Rawalpindi Division, Dr Ansar Ishaq, the health fair will be held at four rural health centres in the Rawalpindi district, including Qazian Gujarkhan, Mandra, Bagga Sheikhan and Kotha Kalan.

All kinds of laboratory tests including ultrasound and X-ray facilities will be available to the patients free of cost at the health fair.

The sources said that a special stall will also be set up by the Health Department on March 19 and 20 at the Allama Iqbal Park in Rawalpindi, where free medical facilities and guidelines to prevent diseases will be provided to the citizens.

Pamphlets will also be distributed among the citizens as part of the awareness campaign to prevent dengue and polioviruses, they said.

“The health fair will also be organised in other cities including Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal and Murree,” the sources said.

“The health department is contacting social workers and dignitaries in every area to organise the health fair in the rural areas successfully so that more people can participate in it and get free treatment facilities,” the sources added.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2023.