'Negligence' leaves BHU overburdened

OPD of Nawan Shehr BHU sees a monthly average of over 2,000 patients

ABBOTTABAD:

Due to the 'negligence' of the district health department, hundreds of patients at one of the largest Basic Health Units (BHU) in Nawan Shehr Town are unable to get proper treatment as only one female doctor is managing the day-to-day operations.

The BHU serves numerous surrounding villages that rely on it as the sole healthcare facility in the area.

A large number of local residents, speaking to the media, have expressed their concern that there is no male doctor posted at the BHU, and the only technician who was transferred a few months ago has not been replaced.

As a result, hundreds of patients are left at the mercy of a single female doctor, and male patients are unable to receive proper checkups. People from neighbouring areas are forced to seek medical attention at Ayub Teaching Hospital and the DHQ for emergency care and first aid or turn to private hospitals, as alternatives are unavailable.

Due to the distance between these hospitals, including for emergency cases, some patients have tragically died on their way, prompting the local community to demand immediate action.

They have called for the appointment of a male doctor and other necessary para-medical staff. The BHU's monthly outpatient department (OPD) sees over 2,000 patients on average.

Local residents have repeatedly raised this issue, bringing it to the attention of both the health department and local administration, but their concerns have largely been ignored.