PDA strike: Mass resignations cripple K-P hospitals

Doctors and government refuse to budge; poor patients suffer on the sidelines.

PESHAWAR:

More than 4,000 doctors from all over Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) submitted their resignations in a protest launched in favour of their wage demands, here on Thursday.

The doctors had made the threat of resignation last week after the government refused to increase basic salaries and perks.

Doctors here in K-P associated with different hospitals from Peshawar, Mardan and Mansehra have been protesting since May 11 and are demanding an increase in their salaries, basic service structure and various official perks. They have completely boycotted wards and OPDs, except for emergency services.

Talking to The Express Tribune, enraged doctors said they would not hesitate to launch a long march if their demands remain unfulfilled.

“At this time, we are providing emergency services, but I am sure, if the government does not meet our demands, we will not hesitate to stop providing emergency services”, said Dr Dilaram, spokesman for the Provincial Doctors Association (PDA), adding that PDA has already announced a complete boycott of the OPD, OT and other services.

Hundreds of doctors marched and staged a sit-in in front of the provincial assembly building.

They were chanting slogans against the government and called for the government to meet their demands.

“Our demands are genuine, we just want an increase in our salaries, a special package for medical professionals and a frame service structure for doctors”, said Dr Ashfaq, PDA president at Lady Reading Hospital, while addressing the enraged protesters.

Currently, the monthly wages of a house officer at all teaching hospitals in K-P is Rs17,500, while a Trainee Medical Officer (TMO) is paid Rs22,000 per month.

“I am 35 and have a family of 6. I am paid Rs28,000 per month. How can I make both ends meet? Dr Kamran asked.

The strike in the province has also affected those visiting hospitals. People from far flung areas are being advised to visit Peshawar hospitals.

Most of the patients who doctors recommended for operations have no option but to knock on the doors of private hospitals. “But where should poor people go?” asked Akram Khan, who had brought his brother from Kala Kalay in Swat.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2011.