LANDI KOTAL: The Medical Superintendent (MS) of the District Headquarters Hospital Landi Kotal, Dr Ehtesham, has blamed the Tribal Electric Supply Company (TESCO) for the ongoing electricity crisis at the hospital, warning of a public protest outside the TESCO office if power is not restored by Monday.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Ehtesham said that the power suspension is a result of TESCO’s negligence and inefficiency. He clarified that the hospital administration has no involvement in meter installation or the power supply issues, which fall entirely under TESCO’s responsibility.
He added that many hospital hostels and government residences still lack proper meter installations. Due to the crisis, the hospital receives only four hours of electricity daily, badly affecting critical units like the emergency ward and labor room. “Medical staff are forced to work using mobile torches, posing serious risks to patient care,” he said.
Dr. Ehtesham also criticized past administrations for their failure to address electricity shortages, a lack of doctors, and the deteriorating condition of departments like the ICU and blood bank. “A hospital can’t function just by putting uniforms on Class-IV staff,” he remarked.
Expressing concern, KP Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs, Sahibzada Adnan Qadri, also condemned the inaction of WAPDA and TESCO despite repeated follow-ups. He said TESCO has consistently refused to restore power to the hospital.
