People from Darhal area of Rajouri district today castigated the Health department over severe shortage of doctors at Sub District Hospital Darhal.
Large number of people from all corners of tehsil Darhal gathered under the banner of Darhal Constituency Development Forum at bus stand and stage a protest against non-availability of doctors at Sub District Hospital Darhal.
Advocate. Zahid Sarfraz Malik, Chairman of the forum said that there is acute shortage of staff at SDH Darhal. “Against 20 sanctioned posts of doctors, there is only one doctor” he claimed.
Besides this, there are some positions of other paramedical staff vacant in the hospital.
This health care facility which covers the whole Darhal does not have a physician, surgeon, gynaecologist and other required specialists, Malik said adding that a large number of souls depend on SDH Darhal for health related issues.
He said that due to non availability of doctors, machinery worth crores has been dumped in SDH Darhal.
Protesters said that a vehicle meant for getting medicine for the hospital is used by the SDH for referral of patients as the other ambulance van meant for the purpose has almost become non- functional.
“The patients have to use private vehicles for referrals to Rajouri and other places.”Malik and other locals said.
Malik appealed the health minister to take the matter seriously and post doctors at SDH Darhal and minimise the sufferings of the people.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Alhaj Hadi Noor, Alhaj Abdul Majid, Capt. Qayoom Malik, Qayoom Malik, Pervaiz Malik and Zakir Khaki.