Improvement sought at Nowshera hospitals

NOWSHERA: Representatives of various political parties on Monday called for improvements at Qazi Medical Complex and the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Nowshera.

The demand was made during a jirga held at the residence of Mufti Hakim Ali Haqqani.Participants expressed concern that despite the availability of doctors and modern facilities at both hospitals, patients suffering from heart and other critical conditions were being referred to hospitals in Peshawar and Mardan.

Speaking to the media after the jirga, Mufti Hakim Ali Haqqani, head of the Nowshera Political Alliance, said the administration of both hospitals must correct their course.

“If the administration does not reform itself, we will be forced to launch a protest movement,” he warned.

The jirga was also attended by ANP leader Ihsanullah Wazir, PPP District General Secretary Falak Naz Khan, PML-N local leader Amjad Nokharay, QWP’s Abrar Khan, social activist Zahid Lala, former district member Qazi Wajidul Haq, Naushad Kakakhel, and Nazim Wilayat Khan.

Speakers alleged that for years, Qazi Medical Complex and DHQ Hospital Nowshera had been plagued by financial and administrative irregularities, yet no one was willing to take notice.They noted that Qazi Medical Complex was the only hospital where even vehicles bringing patients are charged a parking fee.

“Apparently, the patients are assumed to be visiting for recreation, not treatment,” a speaker remarked sarcastically.The speakers also pointed out that the pharmacy contract at the complex had expired years ago, yet the same pharmacy continued to operate illegally.Participants demanded the immediate establishment of a fair and transparent pharmacy system at the complex, similar to those in major hospitals in Peshawar and Mardan.