THATTA, July 23: A large number of patients, who take long and tortuous journey from far off areas to visit the locol Civil Hospital daily, continue to suffer due to closure of ICU and dental OPD in the wake of retrenchment of contract doctors and paramedical staff a couple of weeks ago.

The district health department had sacked 27 doctors and 49 paramedics on the pretext of end of contract, badly affecting the working of health facilities in the district.

REHABILITATION: Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum in cooperation with Action Aid Pakistan distributed construction material among 383 villagers of coastal village Mir Mohammad Maheri at a simple ceremony on Wednesday.The villagers’ houses were damaged during last year’s torrential rains and stormy winds.—Correspondent