• 28% facilities without doctors
• A report based on monitoring of 167 dispensaries in 99 districts in August

ISLAMABAD, October 5: The data gathered in August shows government/elected officials made only 83 visits to the monitored dispensaries (June-August 2012 quarter), meaning at least 50% facilities were ignored altogether, says a Free and Fair Election (FAFEN) report.

The report released Friday said low oversight often leaves staff at dispensaries taking little interest in their duties. Therefore, informed and regular oversight ensures institutions perform better.

FAFEN monitors visited 167 dispensaries in 99 districts to collect relevant data and assess their overall condition.

The monitors found medical staff (doctors) not posted at 28% dispensaries. However, among paramedical staff, the men’s occupancy rate was 90% and for women staff 80%.

Similarly, watchmen and sanitary workers’ (support staff) occupancy stood at 91% and 83%. Assessment of general facilities showed 29% dispensaries having no boundary walls with 40% operating out of dilapidated buildings; 46% did not have arrangements for clean drinking water for patients;  50% had no lavatories with running water; 27% lacked proper shades/places for waiting patients; 56% were without sterilizers while another 36% lacked syringe cutters.

FAFEN observers interviewed three out-patients at each dispensary for their views on staff’s performance. Although most of those interviewed seemed satisfied, 35% patients expressed dissatisfaction, complaining the doctors did not give enough time to attend to them.

The monitors also reported 29% doctors not present the day they visited the dispensaries.

A total of 142 dispensaries referred 1,098 patients to Rural Health Centres (RHCs), Tehsil Headquarter Hospitals (THQs) and District Headquarter Hospitals (DHQs) during the reporting month, the report said.

To download complete report, click here