By Rahmat Ullah Swati
TIMERGARA, Feb 2: Shaheed Malik Jan Alam Hospital in Lal Qila, which serves a population of over 350,000 in a red-zone area, has been upgraded from Category-D to Category-C despite acute shortages of doctors and support staff, hospital officials said.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Shafiullah Khan said the hospital continues to provide healthcare services within limited resources and has fully digitalised its system, effectively eliminating corruption in hospital revenue.
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Briefing the media, Dr. Shafiullah said that since assuming charge in May 2024, steps have been taken to improve hospital management and patient care. He said 24-hour labour room and casualty services are operational, while anti-rabies vaccines and emergency medicines are available in sufficient quantities.
He said nine people from Bandai Maidan who were bitten by rabid dogs were recently treated at the hospital and provided anti-rabies vaccines. Facilities including ultrasound, X-ray, laboratory services, and gynaecology care are available, with a female gynaecologist on duty.
However, Dr. Shafiullah noted that the hospital requires at least 20 doctors, while only 12 are currently posted. Several positions, including dental surgeons, nurses, and computer operators, remain vacant.
Responding to queries, he said the female gynaecologist examines between 100 and 150 patients daily and conducts around 60 deliveries each month. Due to local customs, female nurses collect blood samples from women patients. Over the past year, the hospital laboratory conducted more than 85,000 clinical tests.
He added that former provincial minister and MPA Malik Liaqat Ali Khan is taking a keen interest in upgrading the hospital and is working to secure additional funds from the provincial government.
