CHARSADDA: Local residents, political leaders and civil society activists have expressed concern over continued shortage of doctors, paramedics, and medical equipment at the District Headquarters Hospital, Charsadda, alleging elected representatives didn’t pay heed to the issue.

They said a trauma centre had been approved for the hospital, but work on it was yet to start, adding there was a shortage of scores of doctors, especially women medics. They said the hospital didn’t have special investigation lab, CT scan and MRI machines.

They demanded of the elected representatives to ensure that the vacancies were filled and required equipment provided to the hospital.

Talking to mediapersons, medical superintendent Dr Abdul Quddus Afridi said he had informed the authorities concerned in writing about the shortage of doctors and equipment in the hospital.

He, however, said despite lack of resources, they were ensuring provision of ‘best treatment’ to patients.

He said the postmortem room had been repaired, adding the average revenue of the hospital was Rs2.5 million, while expenses stood at Rs4 million.

He said out of the 137 sanctioned posts, the hospital was short of 38 medical officers, including eight specialists.

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: An awareness session for the women voters was held at girls’ technical vocational centre here on Tuesday chaired by district election commissioner Noorul Khattab.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Khattab said that women played a key role in shaping the country’s future, and their vote was a valuable national trust.

She urged all stakeholders to encourage women to register as voters and participate fully in the electoral process.

Local community leaders, civil society representatives and a large number of women participated.

The awareness campaign is part of the ongoing efforts of the election commission to promote electoral awareness among all segments of society and for free, fair and inclusive elections.

BAN IMPOSED: The deputy commissioner imposed Section 144 on Tuesday, banning display of weapons, sale of toy guns, wheelie, bathing and boating in rivers, and collection of hides of sacrificial animal skins without NOC of the district administration.

In a notification, the deputy commissioner said the ban would be effective for seven days from June 6 to June 12. Violators will be prosecuted under Section 188 of PPC.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2025