Discriminatory behaviour: Relatives of patients protest against Saidu Teaching Hospital

MS says employees responsible for patient’s death have been suspended

MINGORA: Relatives of patients admitted at Saidu Teaching Hospital (STH) in Swat took to the streets on Sunday against the staff negligence and discriminatory behaviour.

A large number of protesters said the staff at STH had failed to provide facilities to patients. During the demonstration, they shouted slogans against the Minister for Health Shahram Khan Tarakai and blamed the provincial government of turning a blind eye to the grievances faced by patients.

According to the protesters, employees at the Intensive Care Unit at STH had failed to provide timely medical assistance to a patient and thereby caused his death.

Silent spectators

Saidu Sharif tehsil nazim Dr Khalid Mahmood told The Express Tribune residents are dissatisfied with the negligence shown by employees at government hospitals.

“It is a matter of concern the K-P government has [ignored] the situation,”  he said.

According to Mahmood, the provincial administration has failed to bring about a positive change in government-run institutions.

“Patients are dying and relatives have continued to protest,” he said. “However, the hospital administration has acted as little more than a silent spectator. Patients are at the mercy of the STH staff which does not cater to their needs.”

The other view

When contacted, STH Medical Superintendent Dr Maqsood Ahmad told journalists the matter is being investigated by a committee comprising three senior doctors.

He added two employees, including a nurse and a Class-IV employee, have been suspended while the fate of doctor, who was on duty, will be decided by the committee.

Ahmad said the patients at the facility were facing a number of problems.

“The administration will take effective measures to address their grievances,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th, 2016.