Spot check: DI Khan Deputy Commisioner warns absentee doctors of legal action

Officials conduct surprise visit at DHQ Hospital after public makes grievances heard.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: After a surprise visit to the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital on Thursday,  DI Khan Deputy Commissioner Amir Khattak instructed Medical Superintendent (MS) Khalid Aziz to ensure doctors’ attendance.

Failure to do so will result in cases being registered against the absent doctors, said Khattak. Director Anti-Corruption Department Shafiullah Ganda Pur and other government officials were also present during the spot check.



Any doctors found absent during official government work hours would not be allowed to practice at private clinics, warned the deputy commissioner.

Khattak also enquired about the attendance of other staff members and the general condition of the hospital.

It was noted only 16 members of the 54-strong janitorial team were present for duty. The Deputy Commissioner instructed the attendance of all cleaning staff to be made mandatory to ensure the hospital’s cleanliness and hygiene.

During the visit, it was discovered only two of five dialysis machines were in working condition. The MS was instructed to arrange for the repair and maintenance of all five machines as soon as possible.

After an inspection of the various hospital wards, it was discovered there were no air conditioners in the emergency ward or the paediatric ward. Khattak ordered air conditioners be installed in both wards.

He also met the patients across wards to hear their opinion on the conditions of the hospital.



Khattak asked the current storekeeper at the hospital be replaced by a qualified storekeeper.

A committee will be constituted to allocate and oversee welfare funds; it will comprise the medical officer, assistant commissioner, and representatives of the civil society.

Amir Khattak told members of the press present at the hospital the surprise visit was carried out because of complaints made by the public, and the district government is making every effort to provide people with the best health facilities. A complaint box will be installed at the DHQ hospital where visitors can voice their dissatisfaction about its condition.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2013.