SHANGLA: A basic health unit in Maira area of Shangla has been facing water shortage for last several years.

The facility caters to the healthcare needs of people from Maira, Dandai and Battagram union councils of Allai tehsil, but the staffers, the patients and their attendants are troubled alike as it does not have water supply.

The washrooms have been rendered dysfunctional for want of water, complained the staff members and patients.

Faqir Gul, who came from Dandai for seeking treatment at the BHU, said he had to go to a nearby house for using toilet because the health centre had no water. He said Maira BHU was the only health facility for the three union councils, but lamented that the authorities had failed to ensure water supply to it.

Shahid Ali of Maira said the staffers brought water for use from the neighbouring houses. He also pointed out that the post of lady health visitor had long been lying vacant.

Amjad Ali, a staff member, said the facility had been facing water shortage for long.

The hospital staff and the patients demanded of the health department and the district administration to provide a water storage tank for the BHU.

BAKERY SHOP FINED: Assistant commissioner, Bisham, Khuram Rehman Jadoon imposed Rs10,000 fine on the owner of a bakery shop for selling substandard items.

Following public complaints, the official conducted a surprise raid on the bakery and found it selling poor quality products and also not maintaining hygiene.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2021