GUJRAT, Oct 10: As many as 90 basic health units in the district have been without medicines for the last one year.

A survey of remote areas conducted by this correspondent on Wednesday revealed that the poor patients were compelled to buy medicines from private medical stores.

A visit to BHUs in Nindowal, Panjan Kisana, Marala, Ganga, Chanan, Dilawarpur, Bolani, Goach, Tanda, Brilla Sharif, Chak Kamala, Chak Sada, Jamalpur, Chachian, Makiana and Fatehpur revealed that these units did not have even a pain killer.

According to the government medical store in charge, a huge quantity of medicines was being provided every month to these BHUs.

Sources in the health office told Dawn that an accountant of the office with the collaboration of heads of these BHUs used to sell drugs meant for the poor patients to quacks and private medical stores.

People residing in remote areas have demanded the health authorities to immediately provide medicines at these BHUs.

OPEN COURT: Kharian tehsil Nazim Chaudhry Nadeem Asghar Kiara on Wednesday held an open court on the premises of the Lalamusa MC.

On the occasion, Dr Naeem accused the PTCL authorities of demanding bribe for the provision of connections to 135 applicants of Karimpura.

Many residents expressed their concern over rising incidents of dacoity in the jurisdiction of Saddar and city police stations.

Tehsil Nazim Kiara said genuine problems of the people would be solved on priority basis.