MTIs in Swabi protest salary delays

SWABI:

In the Swabi district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), two medical training institutes (MTI) hospitals have continued their protest strike for the second consecutive day, raising concerns about the non-payment of salaries. The ongoing strike has affected healthcare services in the region and has prompted a closer look at the financial difficulties faced by these institutions.

Medics and other staff initiated the strike on Wednesday at both MTI Chota Lahore and MTI Topi, effectively boycotting the outpatient department (OPD) and most other services, with the exception of emergency services.

This move has been prompted by the severe financial crisis that has left all three MTIs in the district unable to fulfill their employee salary obligations. It is a dire situation that has raised significant concerns, especially considering the critical role these hospitals play in delivering healthcare services to the local population.

Read more: Swabi MTI hospitals unable to pay employees

This strike comes in the backdrop of the State Life Insurance Company’s decision to stop the payment of claims to public sector hospitals under the Sehat Card program.

The Sehat Card program provides essential medical coverage to a large segment of the population in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, making it an essential lifeline for many. However, this abrupt cessation of claims payments will significantly reduce the revenue of these hospitals, including the medical teaching institute (MTI) hospitals throughout the province.

Official sources have revealed that these public sector hospitals are grappling with a severe shortage of funds, making it increasingly challenging for them to purchase essential medicines and provide free treatment to patients in need. The consequences of this financial shortfall are far-reaching and impact not only the healthcare professionals working in these institutions but, most importantly, the patients who rely on them for their health and well-being.

In the near future, providing treatment to Sehat Card patients may become an uphill battle. The insurance company has communicated to the chief of the Social Health Protection Initiative that claims can only be honored if the provincial government allocates funds to the insurance company. This is a concerning development, as it places the burden of ensuring these hospitals can operate smoothly on the shoulders of the already financially strained provincial government.

Also read: Govt employees’ strike enters 11th day

The insurance company has specifically requested at least Rs10 billion in funds from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to settle the dues. The pressure to release these funds within a short time frame is a further complication in an already complex situation.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, an official from the health department revealed that due to the non-payment of Rs2 billion in claims by the insurance company, Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) was forced to procure medicines locally.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2023.