HARIPUR, Aug 22: The boundary wall of the Rural Health Centre (RHC) at Khanpur, is crumbling near the western main entrance, and the building is in need of immediate repairs, but the district government has not been able to secure funds for repair works.

Meant to provide health care to about 20,700 people of Khanpur town and over 30,000 in adjoining areas, the 14-bed RHC hospital attracts 150 to 200 out-patients a day. In case of accidents or other emergencies, the hospital administration refers patients to the DHQ hospital Haripur.

Since the hospital is short of facilities people prefer to take their patients to the Taxila Mission hospital or the district headquarters Haripur, said a government emloyee who criticized the local government administration for its lack of interest in improving the standard of service at the centre.

When contacted for comments, Executive District Officer (health) Maj (retired) Dr Siddiq-ur-Rehman denied the impression that his staff was involved in private practice during working hours and invited the public to come up with proof and written complaint against such officials so that action could be taken against them.

Dr Siddiq-ur-Rehnman said the medicines budget was distributed among all the six RHCs equally on the basis of covered population which was Rs 0.681 million for all the six.