Health woes: Residents protest against doctors at District Headquarters Hospital Battagram

Say doctors have allowed private practice to interfere with responsibilities .

BATTAGRAM: Residents took to the streets against doctors of District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Battagram who are neglecting their duties and not attending their wards regularly.

The protests were led by a local cleric, Maulana Atta Muhammad Deshani. A large number of locals, including relatives of patients at the hospital, participated in the demonstrations and blocked the main road outside the health facility.

Speaking to protesters, the cleric said many doctors at the hospital are not interested in providing health care to the people of Battagram.

“The hospital was funded by the Japanese government after the 2005 earthquake keeping in view the future needs of the district,” he said. “However, a lack of interest from doctors has compromised on the health of residents.”

Deshani said most doctors have allowed their private practice to interfere with their job at the hospital.

“Most of them are absent when they are expected to be on duty,” he said. “Patients are not paid attention to. However, if they were to visit the same doctors at their private clinics, they would be given proper treatment.”

According to Deshani, the relevant authorities were informed about the apathy shown by most doctors at the DHQ. “However, the situation has not changed,” he said. “If legal action is not taken against doctors, we will carry out district-wide protests.”

DHO Dr Saifullah Khalid assured protesters legal action would be taken against doctors who violate the hospital’s code of conduct.

Overworked?

A doctor, requesting anonymity, told The Express Tribune there are over 12 medical officers and three specialists – including a pathologist, gynaecologist and a medical specialist – at the DHQ.

“The hospital should ideally have 44 medical officers and 14 specialists,” he said.  “There are no specialists in some departments owing to delays in posting”

He added over 1,200 patients visit the out-patient department of the hospital. However, the available strength of 11 medical officers struggle to cater to the needs of so many patients.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2015.