Skip to main content

Featured

Evacuation in the Snow: Fears of Conflict Drive Mass Exodus from Pakistan’s Tirah Valley

Residents from Tirah valley, who fled a remote mountainous region bordering Afghanistan, gather to get themself registered, in Bara, Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan A wave of displacement is sweeping through northwest Pakistan as thousands of families flee the Tirah Valley after mosque loudspeakers warned residents of possible upcoming military action. The sudden announcements triggered a rapid and chaotic departure, with many families leaving in the middle of harsh winter conditions. Residents describe a tense atmosphere in the valley, where fears of renewed conflict between security forces and militant groups have been simmering for months. Entire communities have packed their belongings onto trucks, donkeys, and makeshift carts, heading toward safer towns such as Bara and Peshawar. Government officials insist that no military operation has been ordered and attribute the movement of people to seasonal migration patterns. Locals strongly dispute this, sayi...

article

Family Doctors Could Reduce ER Visits by 15% in Canada, Report Finds


A recent report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reveals that 15% of emergency room visits in Canada could be managed by family doctors. The report, covering data from April 2023 to March 2024, highlights the significant role primary care could play in alleviating the pressure on emergency departments.

The findings indicate that many Canadians, especially those without regular access to a family doctor, turn to emergency departments for conditions that could be managed in primary care. This includes common ailments such as colds, sore throats, and ear infections. The report also suggests that over half of these visits could be managed virtually, pointing to the potential benefits of telemedicine.

Dr. Sunita Karmakar-Hore, CIHI’s manager of health system performance reporting, emphasized the need for improved access to primary and virtual care. "When access to a regular care provider is challenging, people often turn to emergency departments to receive the care they need," she said.

The report underscores the importance of addressing the shortage of family doctors and enhancing the availability of virtual care options to reduce unnecessary ER visits and improve overall healthcare efficiency in Canada.



Comments