TAXILA: Despite the much-publicised health reforms claimed by the PTI government, paucity of medicines, facilities, staff and poor infrastructure are taking its heavy toll on the health of people in rural area of Hassanabdal.

The residents of more than nine villages in the Kot Sondkai union council in Hassanabdal tehsil do not have access to basic healthcare facilities. The Basic Health Unit (BHU) established in 1989 was supposed to meet the basic healthcare requirements of the general population.

But one male medical officer, a lady health visitor, a dispenser and a watchman deputed at the centre are unable to meet the over 45,000 population.

Most of the villagers cannot afford taking their ailing family members to major hospitals located in Attock, Wah and Rawalpindi.

BHU set up over 30 years ago without sufficient staff and medicine, say locals

Asghar Ali, a resident of the area, said it is a lifeline for thousands of nearby residents, many of whom cannot afford expensive treatment. Since the centre lacks facilities, people have to visit the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital located 25 kilometres away, he said. With the provision of medicines, staff and ambulances, the centre could address the needs of the population.

Sultana Shaheen, a teacher, said the much publicised Chief Minister Punjab Health Reforms Programme seemed a distant dream for the residents of this area as the health unit lacked basic facilities and medicines. She said a female medical officer should be appointed at the health facility to save the lives of hundreds of pregnant women.

Dr Ikram Ullah Khan, the incharge of the health unit, said that with one male medical officer, one dispenser, one lady health worker and one watchman, the BHU is supposed to cater to the basic healthcare requirements of the general population, which consists mostly of agricultural labourers, and provide a safe delivery centre for pregnant women. He said since its construction no maintenance or renovation work had been carried out. He said upgrading the BHU to the rural health centre (RHC) would benefit the residents.

He said that if the rehabilitation of the adjacent accommodation of the unit was made, it would prove better for the residents as trained staff would be available.

Munnaza Peerzada, President of a local NGO, said that a survey of the villages showed that maternal mortality and morbidity rate is high and even deaths from preventable diseases were common.

Dr Saeed Ahmed, chairman of another NGO, said the pandemic exposed the healthcare system in rural areas. He said the pandemic exposed the deteriorating condition of health centres and lack of medical infrastructure in villages.

When contacted, Chief Executive Officer District Health Authority Dr Mohsin Ashraf confirmed the poor condition of the health unit. He said issues related to the health unit were under the notice of the district health department and repair as well as rehabilitation work would be carried out when adequate funds are made available.

He added that a proposal to rehabilitate the centre had been forwarded to the provincial authorities and it will be made operative for round-the-clock healthcare services after sanction of staff and funding.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2021