Extending reach: Free medical camps for far-flung areas

PESHAWAR: The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) Directorate of Health on Sunday arranged free medical camps in far-flung areas of Khyber Agency, with the objective of providing medical facilities to people at their doorstep. The camps were arranged in Bokrah, Sra Ghari, Mohammad Kallay, Jarobi Shatra and Zakhakhel.  Highly qualified teams of medical professionals conducted routine examinations of 5,755 patients, while those suffering from complicated diseases were referred to better equipped hospitals. Diagnostic facilities were also provided to 457 patients on the spot. Speaking on the occasion, programme manager Dr Niaz Afridi said the Fata Directorate of Health would continue its endeavours to mitigate the suffering of patients who cannot afford medical treatment and do not have access to it in remote areas. Locals appreciated the efforts made by the directorate and also suggested more camps be set up in the future.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2013.