Spread of infectious diseases: KP CM, secretary health urged to improve facilities at Tank Hospital

TANK: Various infectious diseases, including dengue fever, malaria and influenza have spread like an epidemic as hundreds of people are suffering from these ailments in Tank district.

The only district headquarters hospital in Tank is under immense pressure, as it serves not only the local population but also residents from Upper South Waziristan, Jandola division and dozens of nearby villages.

Speaking to reporters, local elders said that considering the large population in the area, Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi’s immediate attention was needed to improve facilities at the District Headquarters Hospital, Tank.

A delegation from the Tank Print and Electronic Media Association also visited the hospital and met Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Israrul Haq.Dr Israr said that three dengue patients had been admitted, and a special ward had been established for dengue cases. A dedicated team of doctors, he added, was monitoring the patients closely.

He said that malaria and other diseases were also being diagnosed regularly, and the hospital administration strived hard to provide the best possible care to all patients.However, the MS revealed that since July, the hospital had not received any funds for the purchase of medicines and had been arranging emergency supplies on its own.

He also mentioned a severe shortage of staff of 31 positions for doctors, 23 nursing positions, and about 24 technician posts remained vacant. He stressed that filling these positions would significantly improve patient care and hospital performance.

The local elders appealed to KP chief minister and Health Secretary Shahidullah Khan to take immediate notice of the situation, ensure urgent supply of medicines, and fill the vacant posts of doctors, nurses, and technicians at the District Headquarters Hospital in Tank.