Rashid Iqbal, Akbar Khan Afridi, Ghulam Sarwar Sarwar, Bushra Iftikhar.
The quality of Emergency services in NWFP government hospitals (1999–2000).
J Med Sci Jan ;13(2):104-7.

Background: The dominant position of emergency services is well established in view of its sensitivity to treat life threatening illnesses and injuries. In developing countries to which Pakistan is no exception, the inefficient system of emergency services is the leading cause of death and those surviving may emerge with serious disabilities. Therefore there is a need for effective and efficient emergency departments to deal with the accidental and intentional injuries at all stages of life. Therefore we decided to find out the status of Emergency Services in the five big hospitals of NWFP i.e., Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), District Headquarter Hospital Kohat (DHQ Kohat) and District Headquarter Hospital Mardan (DHQ Mardan). Research Methodology: A Questionnaire was designed to assess the quality of emergency health services and got filled through strict supervision. The Questionnaires were filled randomly at various intervals. Results: Majority of patients (66%) were not satisfied with the arrangements in the Emergency Department. Most of the patients (85%) approached directly to ED. 64% of patients were able to see the doctor at first instance while in 36% cases, the doctor was absent. 65% of the patients came with Road traffic accidents, 20% reported fever and pains and 04% came with poisonings. In 70% patients, appropriate diagnosis was made. 62% left the ED in a stable condition. 62% of the staff considered themselves properly trained and 64% viewed that ED has all the emergency equipment. Conclusion: The staff inspite of lacking latest emergency equipment and sufficient financial support is doing its best, but as a whole, the standard of emergency services is disappointing. This situation needs the primary attention of the government and other health promoting organizations like WHO, UNICEF etc.

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