Silent Killers: The Crisis of Fake Doctors and Substandard Healthcare in Wana
Yesterday, in Wana, South Waziristan, a ten-year-old girl died due to the negligence of a fake dentist. Many people have spoken about this incident, and the Assistant Commissioner of Wana has sealed the hospital. However, let me inform you that this is neither the first incident nor do I believe it will be the last, as the issue of fake doctors and substandard medical facilities in Wana is becoming increasingly severe. As a result, not only is public health being severely affected, but several individuals lose their lives every day. Recently, 121 cases of HIV have been reported, highlighting a significant crisis. These cases result from fake doctors and substandard treatment provided by individuals without proper training or degrees. This issue is not confined to just one clinic or doctor but has spread throughout Wana, where more than 80% of doctors hold fake degrees and run hospitals. Moreover, medical stores are filled with counterfeit medicines, further worsening patients’ conditions.
The number of fake doctors in Wana has reached a dangerous level. These so-called doctors provide incorrect treatment to patients without any proper education or training. Their sole purpose is financial gain, with no regard for the lives of their patients. These fake doctors not only misdiagnose patients but also provide substandard treatments, which often prove fatal.
The unsanitary conditions in the clinics run by fake doctors and the use of unsafe medical equipment are contributing to the spread of HIV and other diseases. The rise in HIV cases indicates that these fake doctors are treating patients through unsafe methods, including substandard blood transfusions, contaminated injections, and unsafe surgical procedures.
The sale of substandard and counterfeit medicines at medical stores in Wana is also part of this severe situation. These medicines are either ineffective or worsen the patient’s condition. In collusion with fake doctors, medical store owners provide substandard medicines to patients, often resulting in deteriorating health.
The use of counterfeit medicines not only fails to provide treatment but also proves fatal for patients. These fake medicines either lack the necessary ingredients or are expired, which can be life-threatening for patients.
It is a tragic reality that many individuals are dying daily due to these fake doctors and substandard medicines. Such incidents occur quietly and do not receive much attention. These deaths, caused by the incompetence and negligence of fake doctors, are essentially a form of silent murder, happening only because the health sector lacks proper oversight and action.
Government negligence is exacerbating this issue. Had the government or local administration taken strict action promptly and monitored fake doctors and medical stores, the situation would not have deteriorated to this extent. The government must immediately verify the degrees of doctors and act against those practicing with fake credentials. Additionally, there must be strict supervision over the medicines being sold at medical stores.
Another aspect of this crisis is the lack of public awareness. Due to their ignorance, people are compelled to seek treatment from these fake doctors and are unaware of whom they should consult or where to find quality medical care. There is a need to raise public awareness so that people can know their rights and access quality healthcare.
The solution to this problem is not limited to government actions alone. A comprehensive strategy is needed, which includes raising public awareness, strict monitoring of medical stores and clinics, and immediate action against fake doctors. The government must immediately verify the degrees of all doctors in Wana, and anyone found to be a fake doctor should be punished according to the law.
The writer is a journalist.
