SIALKOT, Dec 11: As many as 73 basic health units (BHUs) in the district have failed to provide better medical and health facilities to the rural population owing to non-availability of medical and paramedical staff. Some 250 posts of BHU in-charges, lady health supervisors, lady health visitors and dispensers have been lying vacant in these units for long.

According to official sources, 18 posts each of medical and paramedical staff have been lying vacant in the THQ Hospital, Pasrur, and BHUs located in bordering villages Looni; six each in BHUs of Glotiyan-Daska, Goindkey, Wadala Sindhuan, Bhukaraan and Aallo Mahaar Sharif; 13 each in Bogray and Kotla Sukhiya; 14 in Talhara, eight each in Maallo Mahay, Bhagatpur and Joriyan Kalan; three in Sirranwali; four in Lorhiki; 15 in Ballaanwala; eight in Bonkan; 10 in Doburji Arraiyan and four each in Sorungiyan and Ban Bajwa.

Owing to the staff shortage, the poor people are forced to go to DHQ and THQ hospitals in Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial and Pasrur tehsils by travelling long distances for treatment.

Sialkot EDO (health) Dr Khalid Mahmood said the shortage of staff had badly hampered the working of these BHUs. He said the district government had decided to fill these posts, and applications for the purpose would be invited soon.

INDIAN DELEGATION: A delegation of Indian industrialists from Hariyana (Punjab) is schedule to visit the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday (today).