KARACHI:
In Pakistan, after each election cycle, development and welfare projects started by the previous government fall prey to political biases and are discontinued by the new government. Considering that billions of rupees of state funds are utilised in these projects, they must continue even after changes in the government.
Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) was one such project, which was initiated by PMLN to cater to patients suffering from kidney and liver diseases. Given the high rate of kidney and liver infections in the country, the project was a step in the right direction. Many prominent surgeons and technicians were motivated to join, and philanthropists donated large sums of money to procure the latest medical equipment for the hospital. However, under the PTI government, hospital management was changed due to which the quality of services provided deteriorated drastically. Very few kidney/liver transplants were conducted, and surgeons were underpaid for their services, which compelled them to leave their jobs. Resultantly, it was the poor citizens who had to bear the brunt.
Unfortunately, these immoral and unethical actions have become the norm and have significantly harmed the people. The former PTI government also launched its Sehat Card scheme, which benefited many and must be retained under the new government. It is high time that people urge the different political parties to stop such malpractices. Instead of discontinuing the projects, the government must make modifications to the different development and welfare programmes to ensure that these are accessible to the most deprived sections of society.
Malik Tariq
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2022.
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