NAROWAL: During a surprise visit to healthcare facilities on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shahrukh Niazi found three basic health units (BHUs) closed and a doctor and paramedics of a rural health centre missing.

As the district health authority chairman, the DC had previously examined public hospitals and disciplined 61 absent employees.

The Chandrake Rajputan, Kunjrur, and Chanduwal Kalan BHUs were all closed when the DC visited them on Wednesday. He also went to the Shah Gharib RHC, but there were only three workers. The paramedics and doctor weren’t there.

The DC instructed Healthg CEO Dr Khalid Javed to suspend the missing employees from work and file a Peeda Act complaint against them. The department sought a reply from Dr Muhammad Naeem, in-charge of the Kunjrur BHU, Dr Qandeel Mughal, in-charge of the Chandrake Rajputan BHU, Dr Muhammad Owais Joya, in-charge of Chanduwal Kalan BHU, and Dr Amar Yasir, in-charge of the Shah Gharib RHC.

Up to 47 health workers are subject to disciplinary action for missing work at government hospitals.

Health deputy district officer Dr. Muhammad Adnan was also suspended from service by the DC for carelessness and incompetence. As a result of the closure of government hospitals and the lack of staff, the DC also sent a letter to the Health Department requesting that the CEO be held accountable.

The Narowal DHQ Hospital’s shelter staff was also suspended for skipping work. Those residing there said they were awaiting breakfast when the DC came to assess the shelter in the morning.

KILLED: A gunman was killed in a police encounter, while his accomplice fled.

The Saddar police exchanged fire with two gunmen on Bhagowal Road. One of the robbers identified as Irfan was killed, while the other fled taking an advantage of fog.

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2022