Civil Hospital Turbat serves as the only government hospital in the second largest and most expensive city of Pakistan, catering to those who cannot afford private healthcare. However, in addition to substandard treatment, the hospital neglects to utilize its resources effectively for the benefit of patients. Recently, I stumbled upon a heart-wrenching news report on the Voice of Turbat, a social news channel, highlighting the dire conditions at the hospital. The report showcased a patient hanging himself with his clothes due to the lack of functioning fans.
When questioned by a reporter about his drastic actions, the distressed patient explained, “Look at the fans, despite having more than 50 solar panels and batteries, they remain off. Patients and their families are fed up with the sweltering heat.” With thousands of people visiting the hospital daily, the absence of fans exacerbates their suffering, putting them at risk of heat-related complications, including loss of consciousness.
During the interview, the patient expressed further grievances, stating, “This so-called government hospital is nothing more than a profit-driven enterprise. We are not even provided with basic essentials free of charge. Just two days ago, I admitted my daughter here, and besides purchasing medicine, we had to buy the injection ourselves. Moreover, we are not allowed to see doctors without paying for a prescription. I have no idea who runs and oversees this supposedly governmental hospital where private hospital rules are enforced. Only the doctors’ favorites receive preferential treatment, entering the doctors’ chambers before their scheduled time, which causes excessive delays for others waiting their turn. They receive free medications and other necessary medical items.”
As a resident of Turbat, I fully concur with these observations. Medications are being sold at exorbitant prices within the hospital premises, without any intervention from higher authorities. While I cannot ascertain the exact degree of truth behind the alleged involvement of officials and medical shopkeepers, witnessing such scenes leaves little doubt about their collusion.
The patient went on to advise, “If you have relatives who are doctors, visit them instead. It is better to have your operation in private hospitals where you can receive comfortable and proper care. This hospital, in the name of the government, is the complete opposite. I implore you, for the sake of God, do not visit.”
Personally, I experienced this firsthand when I was denied a consultation with a doctor until I purchased a prescription from the hospital’s accountants, costing me around 20 rupees. Consider the amount of illicit money collected daily from patients seeking a prescription that costs a mere 20 rupees, with over a thousand people visiting the hospital.
Remarkably, the patient labeled Civil Hospital Turbat as a private hospital, believing it to be even more expensive than private healthcare providers. In the video, he strongly discouraged people from seeking treatment there, highlighting the exorbitant fees charged. He is not alone in expressing such strong sentiments; many others are voicing their grievances and calling for meaningful change from the government.
Furthermore, it is disheartening to note that numerous government doctors prefer to work in private hospitals instead of fulfilling their obligations at Civil Hospital Turbat. Despite this, they receive their full salaries. Corruption remains the primary reason for the injustices faced by the underprivileged patients, who endure hardship due to their financial constraints.
In conclusion, it is imperative that the Deputy Commissioner and Health Minister of Turbat address this pressing issue and alleviate the suffering of the city’s residents. They must take action to remove corrupt doctors and rebuild the healthcare system, as these doctors exacerbate the existing problems. Otherwise, more and more people will be compelled to seek treatment in Karachi, a city far from their reach, as not everyone can afford such a journey.