BAHAWALPUR: A number of biomedical machinery units worth millions of rupees in Lodhran DHQ hospital and its attached rural health centre (RHC) and trauma centre in Makhdum Ali has been lying idle for long and gathering dust.

The issue came to light during the inspection by south Punjab primary and secondary healthcare secretary Mr. Muhammad Iqbal of a number of health facilities in the district on Tuesday.

According to a handout issued on Wednesday by Lodhran public relations department deputy director Nauman Masood, the secretary took notice of non-operation of the machinery and directed to make them functional and serviceable to provide medical and testing facilities to patients.

The handout said the secretary also took notice of the absentee doctors and other staff, reprimanded them and ordered them to appear before him at his Multan office for explanation.

The secretary also directed the medical superintendent to take immediate measures for the repair of hospital’s infrastructure.

DOG BITE: A citizen, Muhammad Akhtar (35), suffered serious wounds when a dog bit him near Jabbar Shaheed check post in Uch Sharif, about 70 kms from here, on Wednesday.

According to Ahmedpur East Rescue 1122, Akhtar was watering his fields when he was attacked by a pack of stray dogs. He was bitten on arms, right hand and fingers and was shifted to THQ hospital in a critical condition.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2023