WAZIRISTAN, a region long plagued by conflict and instability, is facing a silent crisis: the lack of basic healthcare facilities. The region’s hospitals are ill-equipped to handle even common ailments, let alone complex medical conditions.

Wana, the largest town in South Waziristan, is among the worst affected. A few days ago, a local health official claimed that health facilities had improved in South Waziristan Lower, but that was not a factual statement because no such development could be seen on the ground.

Indeed, the local hospital is functional in terms of receiving patients, but it has zero capacity to treat anyone because it does not have equipment, trained staff or even basic medicines. The government must prioritise Waziristan’s healthcare infrastructure development.

This entails setting up well-equipped medical facilities, providing training to medical personnel, and guaranteeing a steady supply of necessary medications. Programmes for financial aid should also be put in place to provide medical care to the poor.

The government can greatly raise the standard of living in Waziristan by effectively addressing these pressing issues. As a priority, the region’s healthcare system has to be improved in order to protect people’s health, which is the duty of the government.

Varda Mehmood
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2025