AKHS opens refurbished rural health centre in Mastuj
MASTUJ, Nov 26: The Aga Khan Health Service (AKHS) Chitral formally opened the Rural Health Centre (RHC) in Mastuj after taking it over from the district health department under a public private partnership agreement.
In this regard, a ceremony was held in Mastuj in which Deputy Commissioner Chitral Muhammad Shoaib Jadoon was the chief guest. The function was chaired by Siraj Ali Khan, the secretary of the Aga Khan Regional Council, Upper Chitral.
Addressing the function, the speakers hailed the decision of the district health department to hand over the heath facility to the AKHS under the public-private partnership. They said the RHC building was constructed in 1975 but the government neither provided any doctor nor other staff to the centre rendering it worthless.
As a result, the local people remained deprived of basic health-care facilities and during emergencies they had no other option but to rush their patients to the Chitral town. Most of the people could not afford travelling to the Chitral town and on many occasions patients died before reaching any hospital.
After taking over the health-care centre, The AKHS has installed latest machinery and equipment at the centre besides setting up a labour room. The speakers said the people of the area were very happy with the availability of the medical facilities at their doorsteps.
The deputy commissioner said delivery of services to the needy people was like worship. He stressed upon the doctors and staff to facilitate the patients with care and dedication. Dr.Saifullah, the in-charge of the RHC, said at present they provide different services to the patients like general medical services, acute emergency, minor surgical procedures, obstetrics and gynecological services, normal deliveries, TB programme, health education, immunization, family planning, EPI, reproductive health, mental health, heart health, laboratories, ECG and X-Ray services.
Dr. Zafar, the general manager AKHS, conveyed the messages of AKHS chief executive officer Jimmeyar Germany, Dr. Rashida Ahmad, the chair person, and Zuhra Furniturewala, vice-chairperson. They vowed to arrange medical centes in the remote and neglected areas to deliver quality health service to the inhabitants.
Dr Zafar also informed the gathering that very soon a dental unit would also be set up at the centre. Those who spoke on the occasion were Muhammad Karam, Sher Wali Khan Aseer, Dr. Ibrahim, Dr. Karim, Dr. Saad Muluk and Shahzada Sikandarul Mulk.