The health department has made the crucial decision to establish diarrhoea treatment centres in Malakand and Lower Dir regions, aiming to ensure immediate and adequate treatment for individuals suffering from acute watery diarrhoea.
According to Dr. Irshad Ali Roghani, the Director of Public Health at the Office of Director-General Health Services, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this decision came after the identification of 13 cholera cases in Malakand district. It is decided that two dedicated wards would be set up, one at the district headquarters hospital Timergara in Lower Dir and the other at the district headquarters hospital Batkhela in Malakand. These wards will provide immediate and specialised services to individuals with diarrhoea who are brought in for treatment.
The plan involves establishing a 20-bed ward in Timergara and a 15-bed ward in Batkhela, specifically designed to cater to the needs of those affected by the condition. Additionally, these treatment centres will serve as locations for collecting samples from suspected cholera patients, enabling timely diagnosis and targeted intervention.
Dr. Roghani also mentioned that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has committed to providing support to the health department, ensuring that patients receive services in line with international protocols. Over the past few months, Timergara hospital has admitted 108 suspected patients, all of whom were eventually discharged after successful recovery.
To combat water-related ailments in the future, the health department is collaborating with the departments of public health engineering, irrigation, and district administration. This multi-sectoral approach aims to implement effective measures to prevent such diseases and promote better water management practices.
By combining efforts and expertise from various sectors, the authorities seek to put a halt to the spread of water-related illnesses in the region, ultimately safeguarding the health and well-being of the local population. The joint efforts are expected to create a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for addressing such health challenges effectively.
By implementing these diarrhoea treatment centres, the health department aims to effectively manage and control the situation, providing essential care to those in need while taking the necessary measures to prevent further spread of the disease in the region.
The health department has sought the assistance of the World Health Organization (WHO) in establishing new wards and providing staff training to ensure effective management of patients. The WHO’s support will be instrumental in setting up these specialised treatment centres, enabling prompt and efficient care for those in need.
Furthermore, the WHO’s involvement will extend to promoting the use of clean water among the population, thus reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases caused by contaminated water. By emphasising the importance of clean water practices, the health department aims to protect people from various illnesses linked to unsafe water sources.
Dr. Roghani expressed satisfaction with the department’s efforts in maintaining control over the situation so far. By responding swiftly to cases and taking necessary precautions, they have been able to prevent further escalation of the issue. To enhance their response capabilities, the department is in the process of establishing a data management cell. This cell will provide valuable insights into disease trends in both districts, enabling the implementation of evidence-based and scientific approaches to address health challenges effectively.
With the WHO’s collaboration and the implementation of a robust data management system, the health department aims to strengthen its ability to respond promptly to emerging health issues and safeguard the well-being of the people in the region.
