Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor said today that the crucial healthcare sector requires immediate government intervention as resource-less patients struggle with expensive private treatment and deteriorating public hospital facilities.

He highlighted that diseases are increasing due to factors such as malnutrition, pollution, and poor sanitary conditions. When illnesses escalate, hospitalization becomes a nightmare for patients and their families. He emphasized that private-sector hospitalization is unaffordable for most, making it essential for the government to enhance medical services in public hospitals.

Shakoor urged the government to upgrade all district-level hospitals into teaching hospitals, ensuring at least one public teaching hospital in every district of Pakistan. He also called for incentives to establish private teaching hospitals and medical colleges, as many Pakistani students pursue costly and substandard medical education in Central Asia. Expanding medical education within the country would not only accommodate these students but also improve healthcare standards.

Addressing poor sanitation as a major cause of disease spread, he criticized the lack of enforcement of municipal laws against littering. He urged authorities to penalize individuals who dump garbage in streets and public spaces. Additionally, he pointed out that smoking in public areas and outdated, pollution-emitting vehicles contribute to worsening health conditions.

He expressed concern over the ongoing road construction in Karachi, which creates dust and air pollution. Contractors fail to follow safe engineering practices, while the Pakistan Engineering Council and the government remain inactive. He demanded immediate corrective measures to protect public health.

Furthermore, he blamed uncollected garbage and overflowing sewage for spreading diseases, urging municipal departments to fulfill their responsibilities diligently. He stressed the need for improved emergency services in government hospitals, the maintenance of medical and laboratory equipment, and better training for doctors and paramedics.

Shakoor noted that Punjab has made consistent progress in healthcare, whereas Sindh lags behind. He urged Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechoho, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto to take immediate action to bring Sindh’s healthcare sector on par with Punjab’s, ensuring better medical facilities for patients.