KASUR, Dec 8: There are only three women medical officers against 43 sanctioned posts in the district of 3.5 million inhabitants, leaving patients at the mercy of either costly private clinics or quacks.

Hundreds of women visit various health facilities in the district daily but return untreated, Dawn has learnt.

The DHQ Hospital has no woman medical officer against 13 sanctioned posts, while there is one in Chunian THQ against two seats. Similarly, five such posts are vacant at Pattoki THQ, but there is only one lady doctor.

In 12 rural health centres in the district, 12 women medical officers and 12 lady doctors has been sanctioned under the Mother Neonatal Care Health Programme, however, only one has joined, in the Allahabad RHC. This situation is becoming advantageous for private clinics, hospitals and quacks.

Since the verdict of the apex court and Federal Shariat Court that no male doctor could conduct autopsy on or treat women for medico-legal purposes, the Kasur health department has been in hot waters. There are only two women medical officers -- one at Chunian THQ and the other at Pattoki THQ -- for autopsy or issuing medico-legal certificate. The authorities had to take the trouble of seeking their services for an autopsy or issuing an MLC at the DHQ.

A health department official requesting anonymity said hundreds of women, particularly in a rural centre, did not prefer being treated by male doctors. He said young doctors did not want to be deputed in rural areas, while experienced doctors preferred private practice.

When contacted, EDO (Health) Dr Zulfiqar Ali Bhango said shortage of staff was an acute problem and efforts were underway to deal with it.