Most basic health units (BHUs) in district Rawalpindi are operating without doctors, nursing staff and medicines, forcing residents of rural and far-flung areas to visit city hospitals even for minor ailments.
The influx of patients from far-flung areas exacerbates the already complicated situation in major city hospitals, resulting in a poor service delivery to the masses.
According to health sources, 10 BHUs out of 24 health centres had been given the status of mother and children filter urban clinic but they have not been equipped with apparatuses, doctors, staff or medicines. According to the source, these upgraded centres have meager budget for medicines. On the other hand these health centres have to provide medical treatment to the people round the clock according to the SOPs.
MBBS doctors have been appointed only in four out 24 health centres and the remaining health centres were being run by dispensers or midwives. Male doctors have been appointed in three health centres including Banni Chowk, Sirajia Park, Akal Garh and a lady doctor in Millat Colony health centre. The health centres located in Amar Pura, Bohar Bazar, Dhok Hussoo, New Amar Pura, Ratta Amral, Imam Bara Mohalla, Mohan Pura, Muslim town, Tahli Mohri, Teli Mohalla, Dhok Ratta, Dhok Mangtal, Bar room, Chaman Zar Sarfraz Road, Dhok Kala Khan and Dhok Farhan Ali were operating without a doctor.