79 posts of Doctors lying vacant in health units of Chitral causing health problems for public.
CHITRAL: Executive District Officer Health Dr. Sher Qayum said that some 76 posts of doctors are lying vacant in hospitals and health units of Chitral. He said that 4 Rural Health Centers (RHC), 21 Basic Health Units (BHU) at Chitral are running without any doctor. We time and again brought the issues into the notice of government but no action has been so far. He was addressing on the second day of World TB week at Booni some 75 KM from here. He said that some 26 posts of Doctors (including specialists) are vacant at Tehsil Headquarters hospital of Chitral which show deficiency of government and its apathy. Talking about the importance of TB awareness campaign he said that most of diseases are affecting the people due to lack of awareness. He said that Chitral is on top among other districts regarding TB diagnostics and treatment. He also thanked Aga Khan Health Services Pakistan (AKHSP) for cooperating health department regarding provision of health facilities to the public in remote areas. He said that health education is must for preventing from such infectious diseases. EDO Health was chief guest on the second day of TB week at Booni while the ceremony was presided over by Amir Afzal president Aga Khan Regional Council Upper Chitral.
Motto and theme of the TB week is On the Move against TB. Dr. Noorul Islam District TB control Officer briefed the participants regarding program achievement, progress and challenges as well as importance of celebrating the week. He stressed upon the public to must approach nearest TB diagnostic center in case of continue coughing and fever and test free of cost to confirm TB virus. He said that 1/3 of total population is infected by TB virus hence due to strong immunity they can not overcome and if wee fell weak it attacks affecting us badly. He stressed upon attendants and supports of TB patients to must complete their 8 months dose (course) in case of lifting the dose incomplete it converting in Multi Drug Resistance (MDR) which is not only causing for very costly treatment but also dangerous. He said that some 64% female affecting from TB due to malnourishment and weak immunity.
Dr. Salahuddin of Aga Khan Health Services Pakistan highlighted role of AKHSP in eradicating and TB control. He said that AKHSP work shoulder by shoulder with government health department to control TB disease and providing free medicines to the patients. He said that there is no TB patient in Lutkoh Tehsil which sought research to trace out basic reasons for no TB patient in the area. Besides them Hazar Muhammad Principal of Aga Khan School, Amir Afzal, Rahimullah Manager AKSHP and other also spoke on the occasion. A large number of male and female participated in the awareness raising workshop.
G.H. Farooqi PO Box NO. 50 GPO Chitral Pakistan phone NO. 03025989602, 0943-302295, 414418
Email: gulhamad@gmail.com