NAROWAL, Oct 2: As many as 10 basic health units have been working without electricity for the last several months out of a total of 56 BHUs in the district.

Power transformers at six BHUs in Narowal and four in Shakargarh tehsils either broke down or were stolen during the last several months. Since then new transformers have not been installed at the centres despite the fact that residents have time and again requested the Narowal executive district officer (health) for the restoration of power supply.

The `powerless’ BHUs include Gangor, Chanderke, Talwandi Bhindran, Bhathwanwala, Ali Ghumman and Nonar in Narowal and Rambery, Ahlahpur, Buo and Fatehpur in Shakargarh tehsils.

About six months back the district health office had reportedly requested the DCO to release Rs1 million for new transformers as the department had no funds for the purpose but to no avail.

Nonar is the native village of Federal Health Minister Chaudhry Naseer Khan and falls in his constituency. The health unit of the village is also without electricity for the last 10 months.

Narowal executive district officer (health) Dr Ashraf Javed told this correspondent that the department had sent a requisition for funds to the district government.

“As soon as funds will be received power connections will be restored.”

DCO Tahir Yousaf said the district government had approved the funds required by the health office.

“Approval from the district council is required. As soon as the council will pass the bill, funds will be released to the health department.”

Meanwhile, Narowal human rights association vice-president Mian Muhammad Rafiq has expressed his deep concern over the hardships being faced by patients at these BHUs.

He urged the Punjab chief minister to take a serious notice of the situation.