Medical facilities for IDPs: FGSH takes lead by setting up satellite hospital

The Federal Government Services Hospital (FGSH), Islamabad has taken a lead in provision of medical services by establishing a satellite hospital in Teshil Pabbi Nowshera to help mitigate sufferings of IDPs.
'We have established a 60-bed hospital in Pabbi where free of cost medical and surgical facilities are being provided to the internally displaced people of Malakand Division,' said Dr Rashid Saleem Qureshi, Administrative Officer, FGSH, Islamabad Pabbi chapter here on Sunday.
'Despite severe criticism from various quarters, the Ministry of Health has chosen the FGSH for this gigantic task keeping in view our rich experience in medical services shown by us during October 8, 2005 earthquake,' he said.
The hospital that was set up in the new block of the Pabbi hospital, has been made operational in May 28 last. In general practice, he said that most of the medical professionals were seen attending patients in crisis situation and then refer them to major hospitals.
While here in the FGSH hospital Pabbi, he said all major medical and surgical operations, in addition to diagnostic tests like radiology tests, ultrasound, are being successfully performed during 24 hours through out the week.
The idea to establish a well-equipped hospital for IDPs was conceived by Executive Director FGSH, Dr Shaukat Hameed Kiyani, he said. He highly appreciated the assistance and cooperation of Ministry of Health, NWFP Health Department and administration of Pabbi hospital. He said that both the hospitals and health departments are working in close co-ordination and harmony to help facilitate the grief-stricken affected families.
'Four wards including male, female, children and gynecology have been operational within 24 hours of the establishment of the hospital,' he claimed. Despite limited consultants and paramedical staff and security situation, the hospital administration has taken a bold decision by sending its medical team for the hospital with an objective to help the IDPs in this hour of need and tribulations.
Dr Qurshi said that around 3000 IDPs patients were up till now treated, more than 350 admissions were made while about 42 surgical procedures were done in addition to 23 gynaecological procedures since establishment of the hospital.
To a question, he said that air-conditioned and two ambulance vehicles were urgently required for the FGSH satellite hospital Pabbi. He said that they would continue medical services to their displaced brothers till they required. Dr Qureshi stressed the need for improving the security around the Pabbi hospital.