29 Children Dead in Kurram Due to Medicine Shortage Amid Prolonged Road Closures
KURRAM: At least 29 children have lost their lives in Kurram district due to a severe shortage of medicines and healthcare resources, exacerbated by prolonged road closures, The News reported on Tuesday, citing health department officials.
Dr. Syed Mir Hassan Jan, Medical Superintendent of District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Parachinar, confirmed that since October 1, the hospital has been unable to provide adequate treatment due to a lack of essential medicines and basic facilities. In addition to child fatalities, he revealed that several other patients have also died due to the absence of surgical services.
The hospital’s critical shortage stems from clashes in the region, which led to an increased demand for medicines and surgical supplies. “The stock we received from the Health Directorate in Peshawar was insufficient to meet the hospital’s requirements,” Dr. Jan said, warning that the healthcare crisis will worsen without immediate intervention.
The situation has been further compounded by the 69-day closure of the Thall-Parachinar Road and other critical routes, including the Afghan border, which has disrupted the supply chain. Medicine suppliers have been unable to deliver necessary supplies, and residents face severe shortages of food, fuel, cooking gas, and other essential goods.
Local social activist Asadullah raised concerns over a looming humanitarian disaster. “If the Afghan border and main highways are not reopened immediately, the region could face a large-scale tragedy,” he warned, urging authorities to ensure food and medical assistance for the affected population.
Efforts are underway to resolve the crisis through dialogue. The district administration has announced plans to convene a grand jirga, previously postponed in Kohat, to address the road closures and work towards reopening the highways.
The prolonged blockade has left Parachinar and Upper Kurram in dire straits, with healthcare facilities crippled and residents struggling to survive amidst dwindling supplies.
