MANSEHRA: Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Balakot, which was reduced to ruins by the devastating 2005 earthquake, has become fully operational, providing healthcare and hospitalisation services to tourists and patients from across the tehsil.

“I would say that the dream has finally come true, as the only public-sector healthcare facility in Balakot destroyed in the earthquake some two decades ago is now welcoming patients, with almost all its departments made functional,” MPA Munir Hussain Lughmani told reporters on Thursday.

He said Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Balakot, with a bed capacity of 110, was now receiving patients in its emergency and outpatient departments, while those requiring admission were also being provided healthcare services.

“Our patients were previously shifted to hospitals in other cities and towns across Hazara division, but now quality healthcare and diagnostic services are being provided at their doorstep,” Mr Lughmani said.

He said tourists in Kaghan Valley and passengers travelling to Gilgit-Baltistan had previously received emergency and other healthcare services at a basic health unit in Naran on a very limited scale, but now quality treatment by male and female doctors was available at the Balakot hospital.

“Thanks to Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi, who took a personal interest in the long-delayed reconstruction of Balakot hospital, released funds and directed the departments concerned to post doctors and other staff,” Mr Lughmani said.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026