Alesha’s death case: Activists to approach court against hospital administration

Action against those responsible could not be taken due to their political affiliations which is unacceptable, Naseem

PESHAWAR: Representatives of Trans Action Alliance Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have rejected Lady Reading Hospital’s decision to sack doctors over the death of transgender activist Alesha. They accused the hospital administration of protecting the real culprits and threatened to file a petition in the Peshawar High Court to put pressure on LRH to provide equal treatment facilities to all patients without any discrimination.

These views were expressed during a news conference held at Peshawar Press Club on Monday.

On the occasion, Blue Veins Coordinator Qamar Naseem said, “The enquiry report constituted by K-P government is biased and contrary to the facts and original circumstances.”

He added, “Not even a single member of the transgender community was part of the committee and neither any of their statement was recorded.”

Naseem accused the LRH chairperson, medical director, hospital director and Dr Shahabuddin for Alesha’s death. “Action against those responsible could not be taken due to their political affiliations, which is unacceptable,” he added.

According to the coordinator, cases will be filed to compel the administration to provide equal treatment to patients.

While speaking to journalists, Trans Action Alliance President Farzana said, “The action taken by LRH is unacceptable. We reject the report because it does not cover the transphobic attitude faced by the patient and attendants.”

She maintained, “The duty of hospital staff is to treat everyone with respect without discrimination. However, such ethics were ignored in Alesha’s case.” Farzana added transgender persons are still denied health care facilities due to their identity.

Meanwhile, Trans Action Alliance will hold a peaceful vigil on August 4 outside Lady Reading Hospital to register its protest.

Earlier on May 25, transgender person Alesha succumbed to her injuries after she was shot six times in Peshawar. Alesha was shifted to LRH in critical condition. However, the LRH authorities could not provide her urgent care and kept her waiting for over an hour while they decided whether to shift her to a male or female ward.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2016.