Repair the Existing MRI Machine if Nothing Else, Says Former KP Chief Minister Amir Haider Hoti

Mardan: Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti has criticized the provincial government over the state of public healthcare and education, urging authorities to at least repair the MRI machine installed during his tenure if they cannot complete major development projects.

Addressing a public gathering, Hoti said the MRI machine provided to Mardan’s hospital during his government has remained out of order for a long time because Rs60 million required for its repair has not been allocated.

He said that while he once demanded the completion of the children’s hospital and the university projects, he now only asks the government to restore the existing MRI machine so poor patients can receive diagnostic services.

Quoting a friend working at the hospital, Hoti claimed that medical staff are facing severe difficulties because the MRI and scanning equipment has been non-functional for an extended period. He added that people with financial means seek treatment in Islamabad or even abroad, while poor patients are left without adequate healthcare facilities.

The former chief minister also criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, alleging that it failed to complete the Mardan hospital, children’s hospital, and university projects despite being in power for 13 years.

He further said that if the government cannot install new equipment, it should at least repair the existing machines to ensure that underprivileged patients can obtain MRI scans and other essential diagnostic services.

Hoti claimed that the problems extend beyond a single MRI machine, alleging that many Rescue 1122 ambulances purchased in 2010 have become non-operational due to age and a lack of replacement vehicles.

He also expressed concern over the financial condition of educational institutions, claiming that colleges are being privatized because of funding shortages, prompting student protests. He added that universities are facing such severe financial constraints that they are struggling to pay employees’ salaries and pensions, let alone finance new development projects.