Polyclinic Declared Free Obstetric Fistula Treatment Center

Authorities have declared the Polyclinic in the federal capital a free of cost obstetric fistula treatment center.

The announcement followed a five day doctors’ training program and a social and surgical camp on obstetric fistula held at the hospital.

The camp focused on capacity building of healthcare professionals and the provision of free fistula repair services, with the aim of restoring dignity and improving the quality of life of affected women.

Medical experts describe a fistula as an abnormal connection between two parts of the body, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Injuries or surgical procedures usually cause fistulas. Obstetric fistula, however, is one of the most serious childbirth related injuries.

Prolonged and obstructed labor without timely medical care causes a hole between the birth canal and the bladder. Polyclinic spokesperson Dr. Abdul Jabbar Bhutto told Dawn that the hospital, as a public sector institution, already provides free treatment to government employees.

He said employees still have to purchase medicines and surgical instruments and often face long waiting periods for surgeries due to heavy patient load. He said the hospital’s designation as a free of cost obstetric fistula treatment center will now allow women from across the country to receive treatment without charges.