In the wake of recent devastating floods across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Population Welfare Department (PWD) Lower Dir, in collaboration with its Shangla counterpart, organised a one-day medical relief camp at Government Girls Degree College Chagam, Tehsil Puran, District Shangla. The initiative was aimed at providing urgent medical relief, counselling, and essential healthcare support to flood-affected residents of the region.
The camp was conducted under the special directives of Malik Liaquat Ali Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister (SACM) KP on Population Welfare, and Dr. Aneela Mahfooz Durrani, Secretary of the Population Welfare Department KP. Their leadership emphasised a swift and people-centred response to address the needs of those affected in remote and underserved communities.
The core objective of the camp was to assist residents of far-flung flood-hit areas by delivering free medical checkups, essential medicines, and health counselling. A total of 174 patients, including men and women, were treated during the day. Many of the attendees were suffering from waterborne and skin-related illnesses due to the flood conditions. Cases of conjunctivitis, scabies, and diarrhoea were particularly common. On-the-spot treatment was provided, with medical staff issuing antibiotics, eye drops, and other necessary medications to relieve symptoms and contain the spread of disease.
The medical relief team from Lower Dir was led by Dr. Hilal Uddin (Pharmacist), supported by Shah Nawaz Khan (Deputy Demographer) and Iftikhar Ahmed (District Supervisor), who were joined by Family Welfare Workers, Counsellors, and Family Welfare Assistants from both Lower Dir and Shangla. Together, they ensured the smooth execution of the camp, attending to patients with professionalism and empathy.
Beyond medical treatment, the camp focused on health awareness, personal hygiene education, and disease prevention. Hygiene kits were distributed among patients, and care providers actively engaged with the public to stress the importance of preventative health measures during and after natural disasters.
During their interactions with patients, officials and sociologists observed that many individuals—particularly women and children—were psychologically distressed by the aftermath of the flooding. Some patients displayed signs of mental trauma and anxiety. Recognising this pressing need, the DPWO Lower Dir recommended that a team of professional psychologists be dispatched to provide further support and counselling to the affected population.
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DPWO Lower Dir was present on the ground throughout the camp, personally monitoring operations to ensure smooth and effective service delivery. At the conclusion of the medical activity, general medicines were formally handed over to the Shangla office of the Population Welfare Department for continued support in the area.
In a show of solidarity and appreciation, SACM Malik Liaquat Ali Khan visited the campsite and met with team members. He lauded their exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to public service. The SACM awarded certificates of appreciation to the Lower Dir team, acknowledging their dedication, timely response, and tireless service in a severely affected region.
The relief camp stands as a successful model of emergency medical outreach and inter-district collaboration in times of crisis. It not only provided immediate care to those in need but also underscored the importance of sustained support, both physical and psychological, in the face of natural disasters.
