Okara, Pakistan: Residents of Okara have renewed their demand for the establishment of a Burn Unit at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, highlighting the urgent need for specialized treatment facilities in a district with a population of approximately 3.6 million.
The demand gained momentum after a recent tragic incident in Samad Pura, Street No. 1, where children suffered severe burn injuries due to a reported gas leakage. The injured children were initially taken to DHQ Hospital, Okara, but due to the absence of a dedicated burn treatment facility, doctors referred them to Sahiwal Teaching Hospital and Lahore for further medical care.
Residents say that burn victims are routinely referred to hospitals in other cities because DHQ Okara lacks the necessary facilities. They expressed concern that many critically injured patients lose valuable time during transportation, while some reportedly do not survive the journey.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Moeed Ahmed stated that, in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision to upgrade public healthcare facilities, efforts are underway to improve hospital services. He added that the Medical Superintendent (MS) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Health are actively working toward the establishment of a Burn Unit at DHQ Hospital.
Citizens emphasized that while the Punjab Government is investing billions of rupees in healthcare and development projects, the absence of a Burn Unit at the district’s main hospital remains a significant gap in emergency medical services.
DHQ Hospital, Okara, serves patients not only from the city itself but also from surrounding areas, including Renala Khurd, Depalpur, Haveli Lakha, Hujra Shah Muqeem, and nearby communities. Burn victims from these areas are brought to DHQ Okara before being referred elsewhere for specialized treatment.
Residents have appealed to the Chief Minister of Punjab and the Secretary of Health to approve and establish a fully equipped Burn Unit at DHQ Hospital, Okara, ensuring timely treatment for burn victims and improving emergency healthcare services for the district’s 3.6 million residents.
