RAWALPINDI:
I am a septuagenarian retired civil officer who has served in provincial and federal governments for about forty years. I recently went to the emergency room of the Federal Government Services Hospital (FGSH) in Islamabad to get treated for a serious leg infection. Though entitled to be treated at the officers’ ward, I was kept in the general ward where only stinking sedentary toilettes were available. I could not stand up after easing myself without human help. The doctors ignored my repeated requests to be shifted to the officers’ ward as per my entitlement.
There is only one government hospital in Islamabad to care for government servants. Having failed to set up more hospitals, the government has allowed the people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to access this hospital for free laboratory tests and treatment. Privately-paid patients or those with influence receive preferential treatment. Since private patients “have a way” with hospital administration and doctors, they occupy all the beds. The health ministry should inspect general hygiene, including washrooms and kitchens. Officials must also ensure that those who are entitled must receive their due benefits. The FGSH, as per its name, should be allocated to civil-servant patients. Other citizens should be treated at other hospitals in the vicinity.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2021.
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