Free healthcare for poor women

The first Mr. Pakistan, Iqbal Butt, during his visits to high schools used to advise students to speak the truth, be honest and disciplined — and “never smoke a cigarette, it’ll destroy your health.” The advice is as useful today as it was about 55 years back.
Times have changed: self-interest has taken the place of fellow feeling while social and economic problems in the wake of high cost of food and shelter and children’s education has had an adverse effect on the budget and health of middle and lower people. Many citizens, instead of joining a health club for physical fitness and healthy heart and mind, seem in tension most of time. The common people of Rawalpindi will soon feel hale and hearty when they see for themselves many basic health centres start working day and night and provide facilities they need for good health, especially poor women who had no free care at time of giving birth to a baby.
The chief minister has taken the right step although very late: but people feel heartened that the head of government has woken up to what citizens had been demanding for a long time. “It’s better to do something for the benefit of others who’re poor and unhealthy than doing many things for the rich,” old men comment.
There are reportedly 98 basic health centres (BHCs) in Rawalpindi district, out of which 26 are expected to function 24 hours in a couple of days. A directive is said to have been issued for appointment of new lady health visitors, midwives and security guards needed urgently.
By the way, the people of Murree, who consider Rawalpindi their second home or sister city in their own way, have welcomed the measure while expressing their grievance. The residents of Phagwari have been experiencing hardship because the rural health centre they have is without basic facilities. The department concerned, they say, has not yet opened its eyes to its maintenance.
zasarwar@hotmail.com