Pakistan is already a victim of floods, earthquakes, terrorism and global warming but the issue that should be in spotlight is health. We can solve all the problems if we first solve the health issue.
In spite of the steady improvement in the health sector over the years, the position is not satisfactory yet. This has cast a negative impact on the services and facilities for the people. In fact, the floods this year have added a large number of patients to the already overburdened health system.
There are many government hospitals but they lack facilities, services and medicines. In Pakistan there is only one doctor available for 1834 persons, one dentist for 46,498 persons, one primary healthcare facility for 14,900 persons and one hospital bed for 1403 persons. The overall sanitation and other conditions regarding the cleanliness are in total shambles.
But there is hope only if we develop the infrastructure first. The authorities should take notice of these problems, increase budget for these hospitals rather than pass the bills to increase the salaries of MPAs. There should be a proper check and balance system in a hospital to maintain the services in it. Well equipped hospitals, hygienic environment and availability of qualified doctors should be assured.
HIRA FATIMA
Lahore
