The increasing loadshedding in Karachi is having adverse effects on almost all walks of life but a major impact is visible in the provision of primary health care services.The population of Karachi has reached about 18 millions. A significant number of people live in less privileged areas and belong to the poor and middle classes. A majority of them go to the clinics of common local GP’s or to small hospitals and medical centres situated in their own residential areas.
They avail basic health care services from these providers (such as general OPD, minor surgeries, lab tests, vaccinations, medications & other usual treatments and common medical procedures including maternity services).
The number of beneficiaries from these health care service providers is very much higher. As compare to big & tertiary care hospitals and government setups. It is relatively quick, easily accessible and costs less. The performance of these clinics and small hospitals has been affected by many social and economic disorders (such as inflation, law and order situation, quackery etc). But the topic of influence of electricity loadshedding on medical services is comparatively new and quite neglected in studies of obstacles in health care. It needs to be studied in detail so solutions to it can be devised.
AYESHA SAEED
Karachi