Darband Residents Protest Non-Functional Rural Health Center
Residents of Darband are demanding immediate government action. They protested on Sunday over critical healthcare failures. Their only local health facility lacks doctors, medicine, and essential services.
The 64-room rural health center has a modern building. However, it has never become fully operational. “It lacks diagnostic, emergency, and other essential services,” said resident Mohammad Faisal.
The center is now seen as a liability. It cannot provide adequate care. Consequently, patients must travel to hospitals in Mansehra and other cities. This imposes a heavy financial and travel burden, especially on women and children.
A Facility Without Basic Services
Residents listed the critical shortcomings. The center has no admission services, X-ray machines, or laboratory testing. Furthermore, it lacks all kinds of medicines, including life-saving drugs and basic syringes.
Mohammad Majid, another resident, emphasized the broader impact. This is the only health facility for Darband Town and the wider Tanawal area. He stated the government must ensure 24/7 availability of doctors and paramedical staff.
Their appeals have so far been ignored. People have raised the issue repeatedly with senior health officials and local lawmakers. Unfortunately, these efforts have yielded no results or improvements.
A Call for Fulfilled Promises
The protest highlights a broken promise. The government built a state-of-the-art facility but failed to staff and supply it. Therefore, a vital public asset stands largely empty and useless.
The community’s demand is clear. They need the center to function as originally intended. Proper healthcare should not require arduous travel, especially during emergencies.
