Booni, Sept 1: The Rural Health Centre (RHC) in Shagram Torkhow has stopped providing essential services after the expiry of a government and Aga Khan Health Service agreement.
Local elders told reporters at the Upper Chitral Press Club that over 120,000 residents now struggle without basic healthcare. They said women face life-threatening risks during childbirth as they travel for hours to reach hospitals.
The elders noted that the RHC no longer has doctors, staff, or emergency services, while the TB programme and laboratory tests also remain suspended. “Even for minor tests, patients must travel to distant areas. This is sheer injustice to the people of Torkhow,” they said.
They demanded that the government immediately restore all facilities at the RHC. They warned that if any tragedy occurs due to the absence of healthcare, the government, elected representatives, and health officials will be responsible.
The elders urged the KP government, health department, and district health officer Upper Chitral to provide basic health services at people’s doorstep, or else residents will launch a protest movement.