KHAR: Local tribesmen have urged MNA Shahabuddin Khan to play his role in overcoming shortage of doctors and other basic facilities at the health centres across Bajaur Agency.

They were speaking to the PML-N lawmaker during the latter’s visit to agency headquarters hospital in Khar here the other day.

The elders expressed concern over lack of healthcare facilities and shortage of doctors and other staff in agency headquarters hospital and the health units in other areas of the agency.

“No proper health services are available in the main hospital in Khar and other health units across Bajaur Agency due to unavailability of doctors, paramedics and lack of basic facilities. And patients are forced to seek treatment in hospitals in Peshawar and other cities,” they complained.

Tribesmen criticised the government and officials of Fata secretariat for their disinterest in providing proper healthcare to tribal areas.

They said the government had been claiming that provision of basic healthcare facilities in the tribal areas topped its priorities, but it even failed to post required doctors to health facilities in the region.

The participants told the MNA that an X-ray plant donated by government of Japan and a generator had been out of order since along due to which patients were forced to go to private clinics for availing the facility.

They also asked the MNA to continue visiting hospitals, schools and other government offices to improve efficiency of staff.

During visit of various sections of the hospital, Mr Shahabuddin showed his dissatisfaction over poor sanitation and healthcare arrangements.

On the occasion, medical superintendent and senior staff briefed the MNA that the hospital had long been facing shortage of at least 30 doctors and 60 other staff.