KARACHI:
Doctors are among the most important contributors to any nation. They save countless lives and stand on the front lines during emergencies, disasters and major epidemics. In Pakistan, there are approximately 3.8 lakh registered medical practitioners serving a large and growing population. Despite their vital role, doctors especially house officers and postgraduate trainees working in government hospitals are still struggling with inadequate financial support. For the last five years, their stipends and salaries have not been increased, even though inflation, living costs, fuel prices and daily expenses have risen significantly. These young doctors perform extremely hectic duties, including long working hours, emergency calls, night shifts and continuous patient care, often under stressful conditions. Their work requires dedication, physical strength, emotional patience and professional responsibility.
It is the basic right of doctors to receive fair salaries and timely increments. A financially stressed doctor cannot perform at their full potential. If we expect our healthcare system to improve, we must first support the people who are running it day and night. The government should review and increase the salaries and stipends of house officers and postgraduate trainees across Pakistan. Doctors are the backbone of the nation’s healthcare system, and providing them with proper financial relief is not a favour— it is a necessity.
Dr Shuraym Ghouri
Islamabad
