ASADABAD (Pajhwok): A teacher in the Kanjgal area of Sarkano district of eastern Kunar province is offering medical services to the people amidst non-availability of clinics and other facilities.
Local residents say a sub-clinic is available in the village but it remains overcrowded and could not serve all inhabitants of the area.
In addition, the road leading to the only clinic in the area is in dilapidated condition and needs to be repaired immediately.
The Kunar Health Department says the problem has been shared with the ministry concerned. It hopes a proper hospital will be built in the area.
Abdul Wahid, who teachers at Sapari Intermediate School in Kanjgal valley, offers area residents medical services after his school duty.
After hours of travel, this Pajhwok reporter reached Abdul Wahid’s house at time when he was providing medical treatment to a young patient.
The patient, Farmanullah, fell from a high place in the mountain and suffered injuries to his head and other parts of the body. There is no x-ray facility or a doctor to examine him. This vacuum is filled by the teacher.
Abdul Wahid said: “I am not a professional physician. But we don’t have any option. There is no proper hospital in our area.”
He added only one sub-clinic was functional in the area that too far-off. The road leading to that clinic is bumpy, according to him.
“Most of the time, patients suffer and go through pain and difficulties. At times, critical patients, including pregnant women, lose their lives,” he continued.
Faisal, a resident of Sapari village, said: “We go to Abdul Wahid for medical treatment because no health facilities and doctors are available here. We know he is not a professional doctor, but he is certainly better than other villagers.”
The Health Department acknowledged the lack of medical facilities in Kanjgal valley, saying the sub-clinic in the area could not serve all inhabitants.
Health Director Qari Muzaffar Mukhlis said the issue had been shared with the ministry. “We hope a proper clinic will be established in the area to serve the people.”
nh/mud
