Medical Supplies Crisis in Parachinar Leaves 50 Children Dead Since Road Closure

A severe shortage of medical supplies has resulted in the deaths of at least 50 children in Parachinar, Dawn reported yesterday.

The crisis follows the closure of roads due to recent armed clashes between rival tribes in the Kurram district, which have claimed over 130 lives since last month.

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, a pediatrician at DHQ Hospital, emphasized that the lack of essential medicines, medical oxygen, and heating equipment is exacerbating the situation. Philanthropist Faisal Edhi confirmed the death toll, stating that many children have succumbed to treatable conditions due to inadequate healthcare access.

In response to the escalating crisis, at least 45 critically ill patients were airlifted to hospitals in the provincial capital. Local leaders urge the government to reopen transportation routes urgently to restore normalcy and facilitate the delivery of essential supplies. The Edhi Foundation has begun delivering medical supplies but acknowledges that air ambulances alone cannot resolve the ongoing issues.