ISLAMABAD: After months of inaction, the federal government has finally sprung into action to address the dire medical crisis in Parachinar, Kurram Agency. The conflict-hit region, cut off from the rest of the country due to devastating sectarian and tribal clashes, has been grappling with a severe shortage of medical supplies, reportedly resulting in the deaths of over 50 children.
An NGO’s recent efforts to deliver medical aid seem to have spurred the government to take responsibility, leading to a high-level intervention. Acting on the Prime Minister’s special directives, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) launched an emergency relief operation on Wednesday to deliver life-saving medical assistance and evacuate critical patients from the isolated region.
According to an official statement, NDMA, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, transported 1,000 kilograms of urgently needed medicines to Parachinar. Two helicopter flights, each carrying 500 kilograms of medical supplies, were dispatched from Islamabad, marking a crucial step in alleviating the humanitarian crisis.
The helicopters also evacuated critically ill patients, including:
- Zamin Hussain, a heart patient.
- Shamim Begum, suffering from advanced-stage glaucoma.
- Bibi Khanum, battling severe heart and lung issues.
- Masidah Agustinaa, an Indonesian national, accompanied by her 2-year-old son.
The second flight brought hope to an 8-year-old girl, Subah Hussain, who is fighting a brain tumor.
Also Read:Medical supplies shortage in Parachinar claims lives of 50 children amid road closure
This timely and coordinated effort reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing neglect of Parachinar and its residents. However, with the region’s access to essential services still precarious, the operation serves as a reminder that much more needs to be done to prevent further loss of life in this forgotten part of Pakistan.
Also read: Edhi airlifts aid to clashes-hit Parachinar
