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Bajaur Health Sector Facing Severe Financial Crisis; Basic Health Facilities in Dilapidated Condition, Medicines in Short Supply
Anwar Zada Gulyar
BAJAUR : Serious challenges confronting the healthcare sector in Bajaur have once again come to the forefront. District Health Officer (DHO) Gohar Ayub has revealed that the district’s healthcare system is under immense pressure due to inadequate funding, deteriorating infrastructure, and insufficient medical supplies, directly affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
According to DHO Gohar Ayub, Bajaur has one District Headquarters Hospital, three Category-D hospitals, and a total of 43 public healthcare facilities. However, most of the Basic Health Units (BHUs) are in poor condition, with their buildings having deteriorated significantly over time due to the lack of proper maintenance and repair work.
He stated that some health facilities damaged during military operations were later repaired by security forces. However, many other centers remain in urgent need of renovation and rehabilitation. He emphasized that without improving the healthcare infrastructure, it would be difficult to provide quality medical services to the public.
Expressing concern over healthcare funding for the merged tribal districts, Gohar Ayub said that Bajaur and other former tribal districts receive only a fraction of the funds allocated to even the weakest districts of the province. He described the situation as inequitable, noting that the limited budget is insufficient to meet the healthcare needs of a district with a population exceeding 1.6 million.
The DHO further explained that districts do not receive direct funds for purchasing medicines. Instead, medicines are supplied by the provincial government. However, he maintained that the quantity provided is grossly inadequate compared to the population and healthcare demands of the district.
Citing a recent example, he said that only 114 bottles of Albendazole syrup—used for treating intestinal worm infections in children—were supplied this year for Bajaur’s population of approximately 1.6 million people. He described such a limited allocation as “a mockery of the public’s healthcare needs.”
Health experts and local stakeholders warn that unless the merged districts, particularly Bajaur, receive funding, medicines, and infrastructure support in proportion to their population and needs, healthcare challenges will continue to intensify. Residents have urged the provincial government to prioritize the healthcare sector in Bajaur and other merged districts by increasing budget allocations, medical supplies, and healthcare facilities to ensure access to essential healthcare services for people living in remote areas.
National
Police Chief Directs Foolproof Security Measures Ahead of Muharram
Our Correspondent
Karachi: Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan, presided over a consultative meeting at the Karachi Police Office to review security preparedness and finalize arrangements aimed at ensuring the peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram across the metropolis. The meeting was attended by zonal DIGs, DIG Traffic, district SSPs, prominent Shia scholars, organizers of Majalis and processions.
During the meeting, religious scholars and procession organizers appreciated Karachi Police for its cooperation and the security and traffic arrangements implemented during previous years. They also presented a number of recommendations to further improve facilitation and security measures for Muharram. They highlighted issues relating to procession entry points, issuance of permits, road repairs, encroachments, traffic flow and electricity load-shedding. Taking notice of the concerns, the Karachi police chief directed officers concerned to coordinate closely with the civil administration and relevant departments to address the issues on a priority basis.
AIG Karachi emphasized the need for effective implementation of all NOCs and procession permits, directing officers to ensure that all security arrangements remain fully operational in accordance with the approved security plan. He also ordered strict legal action against terrorists, criminal elements and any individuals attempting to disrupt peace during Muharram.
The police chief further directed that comprehensive security measures be adopted for religious scholars and other vulnerable individuals, while ensuring close coordination among all stakeholders to maintain law and order and facilitate the smooth flow of traffic throughout the city.
To enhance preparedness and ensure security, It was decided that advanced digital surveillance systems would be utilized for monitoring central processions and other sensitive areas as part of a comprehensive security framework. Security arrangements for all Majalis and processions will be further strengthened through coordinated efforts involving the district administration, law enforcement agencies and relevant civic departments.
