Over fear of privatisation: Steps taken in health sector decried

PESHAWAR:

The Health Employees Coordination Council has voiced its reservations over granting autonomous status to government hospitals, saying it is a veiled attempt towards privatisation.

This was stated during a meeting held at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) in the city on Friday. It was attended by doctors, paramedics, nurses and health unions from four teaching institutions who vowed to fight for their rights and improve the standard of health institutions.

During the moot, participants said most of the hospitals were focusing more on making money than serving the people. They insisted the relevant authorities were following in the footsteps of previous governments and not facilitating the general public.

According to the participants, various health officials had been forced to take to the streets due to the actions of health authorities. They raised objections over the decision to place seasoned professionals and staff members of LRH into the surplus pool.

The next step

Doctors, paramedics, nurses and other health officials who attended the meeting have decided unanimously to tie black ribbons around their arms to work on July 13. An awareness seminar will be held on July 23 where out-patient department duties will be conducted in tents rather than the OPD building at LRH.

Health officials will discuss their next course of action on July 28.

Swept under the rug

Separately, Provincial Doctors Association (PDA) Chairman Dr Shah Sawar voiced dissatisfaction over the board of governors’ failure to consider their needs.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2015.