KHAR: Bajaur Agency Political Agent Abdul Amir Khattak on Tuesday directed the health authorities to ensure provision of basic facilities at the health units and take stern action against the absent staff.

A majority of the people, especially those living in remote areas, are not satisfied with the performance of the public health delivery, hence the officials are directed to take tangible steps to restore people’s confidence in the healthcare system,” he stressed while speaking at the opening ceremony of a newly-established children intensive care unit at the agency headquarters hospital here.

The political agent noted that some health facilities had been non-functional since along due to shortage of staff and facilities. He said majority of staffers, particularly paramedics, remained absent from duty in remote areas owing to lack of check by the health department.

Mr Khattak also expressed concern over lack of medicines at the health centres, and asked the relevant officials to ensure availability of essential medicines at all the health units. He asked the officials to conduct surprise visits to the health units and take stern action against the absent staff.

Meanwhile, the political agent on the occasion announced to install a separate power feeder to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the agency headquarters hospital. He also approved solar-powered electricity system for the hospital.

Health officials briefed the political agent about the newly-established children intensive care unit at the hospital and said the facility had been set up with the financial assistance of an international donor agency.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2017