By Aftab Hussain
SHANGLA: The District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Alpurai, built to serve nearly one million residents of Shangla district, is facing an acute administrative crisis and a shortage of basic medical facilities. Despite millions of rupees allocated annually, even first-aid services are reportedly unavailable in the emergency ward, forcing patients to purchase syringes, medicines, and other supplies from private stores.
Local residents expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the hospital’s emergency department, which they say has been reduced to a nominal facility. Dozens of patients suffering from road accidents, cardiac issues, childbirth complications, and other emergencies are brought to the hospital daily, but the lack of doctors, paramedical staff, and essential equipment has deprived many of timely care.
Residents allege that doctors are often absent from the emergency ward when needed most, while life-saving medicines and equipment are frequently out of stock. They also raised questions about the duty rotation system, claiming that many doctors and staff only perform duty for one day a week, spending the rest of their time at home or in private clinics. Similar absenteeism among support staff has left several departments non-functional.
Public circles have urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department to take immediate notice of the situation. They point out that despite substantial funding, shortages of syringes, drips, and medicines have become routine, placing unbearable financial burdens on poor families who arrive at the hospital in distress.
Residents also criticized elected representatives for failing to take practical steps to improve the hospital, noting that the absence of strong political leadership in the constituency has left the facility without accountability or effective monitoring.
Social activists and community members have appealed to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Provincial Health Minister, and the Secretary Health to enforce strict staff attendance, ensure provision of basic facilities, and launch a transparent inquiry into the use of allocated funds. They warned that without urgent improvements, the hospital risks a major tragedy for which authorities would bear full responsibility.
