Workers of the capital unite against MTI

Say law will deprive them of free healthcare

ISLAMABAD:

Different federal workers’ associations have announced support for the medical and paramedical employees of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) who are protesting against promulgation of Medical Teaching Institute (MTI) Act.

The Pims employees continued their protest for the 15th consecutive day on Sunday, stating that MTI would deprive the poor of the free treatment.

Representatives of All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA), teachers and non-teaching staff associations, traders and other bodies came to the hunger strike camp and announced to participate in the protest in solidarity of the protesting health care workers.

Grand Health Alliance (GHA) Chairman Dr Asfandyar talking to the Pims staff at the hunger strike camp said that representatives of workers in the capital are united in condemning the MTI Act which will deprive them of right to otherwise free services like consultancy, laboratory tests, radiology, and subsidises rates for surgeries.

Asfandyar said that the poor people relied on Zakat and donations for their treatment at Pims and other federal government hospitals. However, the government has taken away that right from them merely through an ordinance.

He added that the imposition of the ordinance and handing over all powers to the board of governors (BoG) was not acceptable at any cost.

He announced to continue the protest until the ordinance was not receded.

The Act, he said, gives incentives to doctors to work as consultants at a public health facility.

He reminded that as per the MTI Act draft employees who opt for private practice within the premises of the hospital, clinics, imaging facilities and laboratories of Pims will get more salary, bonuses and benefits as the board may approve. Those who do not opt for private practice shall not be entitled to any increase in salary or bonuses.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2020.