Neelum: Despite two visits by Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq to District Headquarters Hospital Neelum at Aathum, no significant improvements have been witnessed. Reports indicate that during both visits, no doctors were present, and essential medicines and facilities were unavailable, leaving the hospital critically under-resourced.
The situation came to public attention following the tragic deaths of two women in the suburban areas of Neelum due to the lack of timely medical care. In response to mounting public outcry, the Prime Minister visited the hospital on two separate occasions. During these visits, he had assured the public that every possible measure would be taken to provide adequate health services and that the appointment of doctors would be prioritized. However, his promises appear to have fallen short.
According to reports, there are currently nine vacant doctor positions at the hospital. Alarmingly, the single doctor who is officially appointed is not present at the facility, leaving a population of nearly 300,000 served by only one nurse. This dire shortage of medical personnel has left residents questioning the effectiveness of the health department and the administration of the hospital.
Citizens waiting at the hospital voiced their frustration to Kashmir Digital. “The building here is grand, but there are no doctors, no medicines—nothing to help us, especially during these severe weather conditions,” they stated. Many have now begun to question whether doctors hold more sway than the Prime Minister himself, as his announcements have yet to translate into tangible improvements at the hospital.
The public is demanding immediate action. They urge the Prime Minister to take further notice of the situation and to ensure that the promised health services are delivered without further delay. With lives at stake and trust in public services dwindling, the pressure is mounting for the authorities to address the long-standing deficiencies in the region’s healthcare system.