MINGORA: The representatives of all political parties, local elders, doctors, civil society members and people from different walks of life on Monday announced to launch an agitation movement if the District Headquarters Hospital, Saidu Sharif, in Swat was not granted A-category status.
Speaking at a meeting, the representatives of all political parties, local elders, doctors and others demanded the government to restore the hospital’s previous status. They said the people of Swat should no longer be subjected to what they described as discriminatory treatment.
The speakers said Saidu Sharif Hospital had divisional-level status and patients from across Malakand division visited the facility for medical treatment, making restoration of A-category facilities essential.
They warned that if the government failed to seriously address the issue, a protest movement would be launched. The participants also said the closure of private clinics and hospitals along with government-run health facilities could be considered during the protest.
The participants urged the government to immediately restore the previous status of Saidu Sharif Hospital and ensure the provision of quality healthcare facilities to the people of Swat and the wider Malakand division.
