THE health crisis in Chaghi, Pakistan’s largest district by area, is alarming. Despite its geographical significance, the region’s healthcare infrastructure is critically underdeveloped, leaving its residents to face life-threatening challenges daily.

The scarcity of doctors and the lack of well-equipped hospitals are among the major hurdles in ensuring basic healthcare. Mothers, in particular, bear the brunt of these inadequacies. During childbirth, the absence of skilled medical professionals and necessary facilities often leads to fatal complications, endangering both the mother and child. The infant mortality rate during deliveries is tragically high due to these deficiencies.

Moreover, in the event of accidents, the injured rarely receive adequate first aid. The lack of local treatment options necessitates transferring patients to Quetta, which is over 500km away. Sadly, the delay and blood loss during the journey result in death in 80 per cent of the cases.

The dire state of healthcare in Chaghi urgently requires the attention of the authorities. It is imperative to improve healthcare infrastructure, ensure the availability of qualified doctors, and equip healthcare centres with modern facilities. These measures will save countless lives and alleviate the suffering of the local population. The policymakers and relevant stakeholders should address the issue on a priority basis. Chaghi’s residents deserve access to healthcare just as any other citizen of Pakistan.

Syed Zia Ur Rehman
Chaghi

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024