Healthcare Crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan

Overcrowded Hospitals and Equipment Shortages

Residents of Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) are facing a severe healthcare crisis. Hospitals are overcrowded, and there is a significant shortage of diagnostic equipment. The high cost of medical services is adding to the pressure on the local population. Many patients must travel long distances for treatment due to limited local options.

Social worker Ghulam Abbas has voiced concerns about the inadequate healthcare services provided by the government. He highlighted the overcrowding in government hospitals and the lack of essential diagnostic machines, making it difficult for patients to receive proper care. Abbas stated, "The government is not fulfilling its duty, and that is why the public is facing difficulties. The government hospitals are overcrowded with patients. Medicines have become costly; no person can buy them easily. Due to poor purchasing power, many patients are lying in their homes."

The situation worsened after the discontinuation of the health card scheme, which previously offered some relief. The rising prices of medicines and medical tests have further strained the healthcare system. Local residents believe that proper planning and policies could have significantly improved the healthcare sector, but the authorities' apathetic attitude has left many feeling abandoned.

Abbas also criticized the lack of diagnostic machines and essential medical equipment in the region's hospitals, despite having competent doctors. "We feel a great lack in the diagnostic machines. There is no concerned equipment in our hospitals. We certainly have competent doctors, but it is obvious that there are difficulties in diagnosing diseases due to the lack of proper equipment," he said. He emphasized the government's responsibility to address these issues, especially as Gilgit has grown into a large city.

The healthcare crisis is further compounded by inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of trained medical professionals, and limited resources. Many regions lack basic healthcare facilities, and existing hospitals are often understaffed and poorly equipped. Geographic isolation makes access to healthcare even more challenging, especially during harsh weather conditions. Additionally, there is a significant shortage of trained healthcare workers, with many professionals leaving the region due to difficult working conditions and limited career opportunities.