Javed Ur Rehman
Chakdara: A strong protest was staged on Sunday against a pharmacy established directly in front of the emergency ward of Chakdara Tehsil Headquarters Hospital. Protesters warned that if the pharmacy is not removed within a week, the public will take action themselves.
The protest was led by the Central President of the Gujjar National Movement, Alhaji Zareen Khan Gujjar. Owners of local medical stores, members of the business community, and a large number of citizens participated.
The protesters demanded the immediate shifting of the pharmacy to a suitable alternative location, stating that its current placement is creating severe difficulties for patients, particularly women, senior citizens, and emergency cases. They said the heavy rush caused by the pharmacy frequently blocks the road inside and outside the hospital, obstructing ambulances and other vehicles, and posing a serious threat to human lives.
Addressing the gathering, Alhaji Zareen Khan Gujjar and Qaumi Watan Party provincial leader Imran Khan Advocate said they had personally experienced the situation when they visited the hospital a few days earlier for emergency treatment. They stated that the rush outside the pharmacy had made the situation uncontrollable, forcing hospital staff to blow whistles as traffic remained blocked.
They urged the provincial government, Health Secretary, senior officials of the Health Department, and particularly the District Health Officer (DHO) to take immediate notice of the issue. They said it was unacceptable to create hardships for patients and destroy the livelihoods of hundreds of local traders for the benefit of a single individual or institution.
Alhaji Zareen Khan Gujjar warned that if the pharmacy is not dismantled or shifted away from the emergency ward, the public would be compelled to take strict action, holding the Medical Superintendent (MS) of the hospital and the concerned MPA fully responsible.
Referring to past governments, he said that during the tenures of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, General Zia-ul-Haq, and General Pervez Musharraf, decisions were made in the public interest and systems functioned more effectively. He demanded that the present rulers also prioritize public welfare and take immediate practical steps.
The protesters reiterated their demand that the pharmacy located in front of the emergency ward of Chakdara Hospital be removed or relocated without delay to ensure convenience for patients and attendants and to protect precious human lives.
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