By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
KHYBER: Doctors and hospital staff at the District Headquarters Hospital in Lundi Kotal, Khyber district, have staged a protest against prolonged electricity outages, refusing to operate the outpatient department (OPD) until the crisis is resolved. Staff say that power has been cut for up to 20 hours a day over the past several days, severely affecting medical services.
Hospital personnel reported that the absence of electricity has brought operations in wards, the emergency department, laboratories, and other critical units to a halt. With winter temperatures dropping, patients are reportedly facing heightened discomfort and health risks.
Doctors and paramedical staff described the outages as “crippling” the healthcare system. Key medical equipment and heating systems have been left inoperative, further endangering patients. Protesters warned that the OPD boycott would continue until electricity is restored and their demands addressed.
Local residents have also appealed to authorities for urgent action, urging the reinstatement of power so that patients can receive care without suffering in the cold.
