Medical association decries Rehman Malik's surgeon statements

Malik had said that doctors above the age of 60 should not be allowed to conduct surgeries. PHOTO: INP

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Sindh and Sindh Doctors Welfare Association (SDWA) in a joint meeting held on Tuesday condemned the statement of Advisor Rehman Malik wherein he suggested that “doctors should not operate above the age of 60 years”.

Malik had issued the statement while ordering an inquiry into the reasons behind the death of senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader Fauzia Wahab due to complications following a gall bladder surgery. FIA officials late on Monday raided the Orthopedic Medical Institute (OMI) in Karachi, seizing records and questioned the doctors who had performed surgery on Wahab.

Pakistan Medical Association Sindh leader Dr Samrina Hashmi and President, Sindh Doctors Welfare Association (SDWA), Karachi Dr Mujtaba Memon advised Rehman Malik to take care of the matters of his own department first. They said there is anarchy in the country. “Balochistan and Karachi are witnessing 10 to 15 dead bodies every day. There are kidnapping of poor citizens on daily basis. Why can he not do something about the interior ministry.”

They said the age factor is the least important factor. “If the Chief Ministers of 85 years and 75 years can rule Sindh and Balochistan, a 60 years old doctor can operate as well.”

“PMA Sindh has given a “draft” for a Health Commission 20 months ago to the Health Department and Government of Sindh. This draft was made an act in November 2010 in Punjab. The Bill comprises all the Rule and Regulation to regularise hospitals and clinics. Why does not the Government present this Bill in the Assembly?” they asked.

They said it is easy to criticise doctors in every matter. The Health Commission Bill formulates a Commission of Highly trained people of 15 year experience who can investigate any mishap. “You cannot malign a doctor’s reputation before investigations.”

Instead of letting security officials investigate the matter, they suggested a panel of expert doctors to be formed to look into the matter. “There should be an experts panel investigating the incidence and to restrict the age of the surgeon as well. There should be a Committee who should remove these aged people who are running the affairs of government as well. If any action is taken against the senior doctors without investigations, we reserve our right to react.”