Improved management transforms DHQ Wana into trusted healthcare institution in SW

PESHAWAR, Jul 24 (APP):Improved management, strengthened governance, upgraded medical facilities and a patient-centred approach have significantly enhanced healthcare services at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Wana, making it one of the most trusted healthcare institutions in South Waziristan.

Located in one of Pakistan’s most remote and strategically important regions, DHQ Hospital Wana has undergone a remarkable transformation since the Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF) assumed responsibility for its management under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s outsourcing initiative.

MERF, an international humanitarian organization, works with governments to improve access to quality, equitable, efficient and affordable healthcare services.

“A key driver of this transformation has been the strengthening of the hospital’s human resources,” says Dr. Abdul Basit, Provincial Manager MERF KP.

Every month, the hospital provides emergency care, trauma management, critical interventions and essential medical services to hundreds of patients from South Waziristan and adjoining areas.

Dr. Abdul Basit said the hospital is staffed by 14 specialist doctors providing expert care across multiple disciplines, while 24 medical officers ensure round-the-clock healthcare services. The workforce is further supported by 22 trained nurses, 38 paramedics and around 150 administrative and support staff.

Hospital performance indicators reflect substantial progress in service delivery as Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance increased from 64,414 to 742,964 patients, demonstrating growing public confidence and improved access to healthcare services.

Maternal health services also recorded significant improvement, with the number of normal and Caesarean-section deliveries increasing from 690 to 13,547, contributing to safer childbirth and improved maternal and newborn care.

Diagnostic services expanded considerably, with laboratory investigations increasing from 9,471 to 939,693, enabling timely diagnosis and more effective treatment. Similarly, inpatient admissions rose from 2,419 to 132,162, reflecting improved access to quality hospital care.

The hospital’s surgical services also witnessed substantial growth, with the number of surgical procedures increasing from 677 to 29,201, enabling thousands of patients to receive quality surgical care within their own district.

Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) services also improved, with the number of fully immunized children increasing from 161 to 1,228, strengthening child health and protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

In addition to expanding healthcare services, MERF upgraded key hospital facilities, including the registration unit, emergency department, emergency ward, outpatient department, operation theatre, laboratory, labour room, inpatient wards and dental unit.

The improvements have enhanced patient flow, strengthened infection prevention measures and created a safer and more efficient healthcare environment.

Officials attributed these achievements to the joint efforts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department, MERF, healthcare professionals and hospital staff, working together to improve healthcare delivery in South Waziristan.

They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public healthcare services through improved governance, transparency, accountability and professional excellence, ensuring that quality healthcare remains accessible to communities living in one of the country’s most underserved regions.