CHITRAL, Sept 29, 2025: The primary healthcare system in Lower Chitral district is in a state of serious crisis due to an acute shortage of doctors, with only 20 medical officers posted against 100 sanctioned positions over the past four years, officials have revealed.
Confirming the situation, District Health Officer Dr. Muhammad Shamim said that all nine basic health units, three rural health centres, and 19 dispensaries – the backbone of primary healthcare in the district – are currently being managed entirely by paramedical staff.
The situation is particularly alarming at Drosh Hospital, a category-D facility strategically located at the confluence of the Sheshi Koh, Damil, Ashrait, Jinjirait Koh, and Arsoon valleys, which border Afghanistan’s Nooristan and Kunar provinces.
The hospital, with 43 beds, reportedly receives around 500 patients daily at its outpatient department, with full occupancy at all times.
“Despite its critical importance, Drosh Hospital faces a severe shortage of doctors and specialists across various departments. Even the facility of the Sehat Card is unavailable here, although the hospital functions as a secondary healthcare facility,” Dr. Shamim said.
He emphasized that filling the 15 vacant posts of medical officers and five specialist positions could significantly reduce the burden on the district headquarters hospital, which also serves Upper Chitral.
Dr. Shamim further highlighted the chronic shortage of female doctors, particularly gynecologists, at Drosh Hospital. The absence of such staff has tragically led to maternal deaths, as many women are forced to travel long distances to the DHQ hospital for delivery services. He suggested that one viable solution would be to hire doctors and specialists on renewable, non-transferrable contracts specific to Lower Chitral, ensuring continuity and stability in service delivery.
On the positive side, Dr. Shamim noted that the physical infrastructure and diagnostic facilities at Drosh Hospital and other hospitals in Lower Chitral are adequate, and the paramedical staff are fully staffed. Despite the severe shortage of doctors, the district has consistently excelled in performance assessments, earning the ‘Best Performance’ award from provincial health authorities for three consecutive months.
The monthly performance assessments are based on staff attendance, availability of medicines, infrastructure maintenance, equipment functionality, cleanliness, and responsiveness to national health programs. Lower Chitral has consistently scored over 95 percent, reflecting the high dedication and commitment of paramedical and allied health staff, Dr. Shamim said, appreciating their relentless efforts in maintaining healthcare services despite challenging circumstances.
Published in Dawn on Sept 29, 2025.