Surprise visit of health secretary; 28 doctors suspended

SWABI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Secretary Shahidullah conducted a surprise visit to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Swabi following public complaints and media reports, and found the hospital in a deplorable condition with no doctors present on duty.

During the inspection, 28 doctors, including the Medical Superintendent and three senior doctors, were found absent. The Health Secretary ordered immediate action against the absent staff and suspended the employees found missing from duty.

The Secretary expressed strong anger over the poor state of affairs at the hospital, highlighting severe cleanliness issues, the presence of stray dogs within the premises, a shortage of emergency medicines, and the absence of essential staff. He inspected various wards and departments and seized hospital records for further review.

The inspection reportedly lasted for seven hours, during which the Health Secretary directed a formal inquiry against all absent employees and instructed officials to take strict disciplinary action.

The DHQ Hospital is located in the constituency of former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser. The incident has raised serious questions about healthcare governance and staff accountability in the district.

The Health Department stated that the action was taken in response to public complaints and vowed to ensure improved healthcare services and strict monitoring of hospital staff across the province.