The healthcare system in Pakistan-occupied GilgitBaltistan (PoGB is facing a severe crisis, with hospitals struggling to cope with a critical shortage of medical staff and essential resources. Overburdened healthcare facilities are unable to meet the growing demand for medical
services, leaving many patients without adequate care
Zia, a medical professional at Saif-ur-Rehman Shaheed Hospital, highlighted the alarming shortfall in medical personnel, particularly
anaesthetists. He said, “We have around 40 operating theatres, and according to protocol, we should have an anaesthetist in each one. However, we only have 26 anaesthetists in total.
The shortage is critical. Additionally, due to the lack of private hospitals in the region,anaesthetists hardly get any practical experience. Even more concerning, the government claims that incentives have been provided to medical staff, but in reality, they have not been delivered.”
Provincial Headquarters (PHQ) Hospital without replacements. This has left the hospital even more understaffed, worsening the
challenges faced by patients seeking specialised care.
PHQ Hospital -PoGB’s largest government-run medical facility–serves as avital healthcare hub for patients from across the region, including Chilas, Nagar, Ghizer, Hunza, Darel, Tangir, and Baltistan.
However, persistent shortages of medical equipment, supplies, andtrained personnel have made it difficult to provide even basic
healthcare services. Many residents are left with no choice but to travel to major cities like Islamabad or Lahore for treatment, a costly
and impractical option for those from remote areas
PoGB has long suffered from government neglect with poor infrastructure, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and inadequate political representation.
The region’s persistent economic disparities and lack of development have fuelled social unrest, leaving its people feeling marginalised
within Pakistans national framework.