Hospital management: ‘Referral system politically impossible in govt hospitals’

Man behind SKMCH says American system can work in K-P if allowed

PESHAWAR: Keeping in view the huge influx of patients visiting Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) from almost all parts of the province, the LRH Board of Governors twice gave details on referral system which, however, was termed politically impossible.

“There is no hospital across the world where 6,000 people visit daily the Outpatient Department. I have twice given details on how the referral system should work but I feel it is politically not possible,” says Dr Nausherwan Burki, the man behind the most controversial, Medical Teaching Institution Act 2015.

Burki, who also happens to be the Chairman LRH Board of Governors stated: “Yes initially there will be concerns since there might be problems if you deny somebody from district Dir at LRH, but if you publicise and tell people look, this is how it works.”

While being interviewed during his first ever media appearance, Burki seemed puzzled with the way judiciary works since he as well as MTI Act 2015 has been facing considerable resistance and a number of cases have been filed against both in the courts.

“I am puzzled by the way the judicial system works since the cases [against me and the MTI Act 2015] are administrative matters which should be left to the institution,” Burki said adding “judicial system still views us as a government department.”

He stated there was a complete grievance procedure as part of the system and courts should be going for [ask the petitioner], “have you gone through the grievances system? if you don’t agree with that then fine, come to us.”

When asked as to how an American model can be implemented , Burki replied “forget the society, there is a structure that is what we are putting in and that structure works very well.”

The question arises, is this society going to allow that structure to work as I see no reason an average K-P citizen is no better or worse than an American,” he informed adding “the problem is they have not been allowed to work under a proper system since once you do something fairly and people see something being done fairly, people accept it.”

As the prices for different investigation were raised, Burki deem it good not only for the hospital but the government as well by saying the hospital should be generating much more income so that the burden on the government was reduced.

“We are about to be the only public hospital which will have interventional radiology, have a digital radiography where you no longer need to carry those copies ultimately reducing the cost and generating income,” he stated adding he wasn’t sure LRH would become self sufficient in 10 years but government’s input will drop to half at least.

He stated that initially they thought Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) and Research Center may generate 33% of the cost of the running expenses which however turned out to be 50% and was now 70% adding nobody has complaints at SKMCH since no one was getting undue advantage.

“I have not received one penny from the K-P government, I don’t charge them, nothing, it is entirely on my own,” Burki concluded with the most sought after question asked questioned.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2017.