LOWER DIR: A 42-year-old woman suffering from extreme obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and severe mobility issues underwent successful bariatric surgery at the District Headquarters Hospital, Timergara, here the other day.

The life-altering surgery, provided free of cost, was arranged in collaboration with a private pharmaceutical firm and executed by a team of local surgeons, including Dr Bakht Sarwar, Dr Asghar Ali, Dr Muslihuddin, Dr Javed, and Dr Habibun Nabi. The procedure was performed by bariatric surgeon Dr Shah Abbas, who travelled from Swat with his team.

According to Dr Abbas, Pakistan now ranks third in the world and first in South Asia in terms of obesity prevalence. He warned obesity is not just about excess weight; it is a primary driver of chronic conditions such as type-two diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even some forms of cancer.

Speaking during a live surgical training session conducted for local surgeons, Dr Abbas said, “The alarming rise in obesity is burdening our already strained healthcare system. What we are witnessing is just the tip of the iceberg.” He stressed that modern bariatric procedures can not only reduce weight but also help reverse many obesity-linked diseases.

A team led by Dr Shah Abbas from Swat performed the procedure

He hailed the new initiative at Timergara hospital as a “landmark achievement” for the remote district, where residents often lack access to specialised surgical care. “Now, patients from Lower Dir and adjoining areas no longer need to travel to major urban centres for this treatment,” he said.

OPD OPENS: A new out-patient-department for cardiology and general medicine was inaugurated by Al-Khidmat Foundation’s district president Hafizullah Khaksar at the Al-Khidmat Hospital on Sunday to expand quality healthcare services to local community.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr Khaksar said the hospital had been upgraded along modern lines to provide affordable and accessible medical care to patients. “Our priority is to deliver quality health services to the local community at minimal cost,” he said.

He added that the facility has been equipped with modern diagnostic machinery and surgical tools, with plans underway to introduce additional specialties and recruit more expert doctors.

LAW AND ORDER: Lower Dir district police officer Abdul Salam Khalid chaired a meeting to review the law-and-order situation across the district.

The DPO ordered strict legal action against underage drivers, vehicles with tinted windows, motorcyclists riding without helmets, and those involved in one-wheeling.

He directed the police personnel to remain on high alert in view of the current security situation. SHOs were instructed to carry out regular search operations and snap-checking within their respective jurisdictions to curb criminal activities.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2025