10% stipend hike for trainee medics
Rizwana’s body has suffered severe acid burns, resulting in large wounds. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) caretaker cabinet, chaired by Provincial Minister Syed Masood Shah, has given the green light to a 10% increase in stipends for trainee medical officers. Simultaneously, the cabinet approved the outsourcing of several public hospitals across different districts.
These decisions transpired during a special cabinet meeting held at the Civil Secretariat in Peshawar, attended by key cabinet members, the chief secretary, administrative secretaries, and other senior officials.
During the meeting, Special Advisor to the Caretaker Chief Minister on Health, Dr. Riaz Anwar, underscored the indispensable role of trained medical professionals in the healthcare system.
He emphasized the long-standing demand for a stipend increase among medical personnel. While the desire was for a 30% raise, economic considerations led to the pragmatic decision of approving a 10% stipend increase, which was deemed feasible by the cabinet.
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Health Secretary Mahmood Islam acknowledged that stipends for trainee medical officers had remained unchanged since 2017. He recognized the sacrifices made by the medical community and affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
The decision to increase stipends aligns with efforts to recognize the invaluable contribution of healthcare workers, especially during the challenging times posed by the ongoing health crises.
In addition to the stipend increment, the cabinet delved into discussions regarding the outsourcing of different hospitals in various districts. The emphasis was on ensuring a merit-based selection process and strict adherence to regulations, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting transparency and efficiency in healthcare administration.
Addressing the alarming situation of a diphtheria outbreak in the province, Dr. Anwar assured the public that the health department is fully vigilant and has deployed necessary measures.
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The current count of 269 reported diphtheria cases across the province necessitates a coordinated response. Dr. Anwar stressed the importance of timely vaccination, noting that had protective vaccines been administered on schedule, the current situation might have been avoided.
Health Secretary Mahmood Islam confirmed an ample supply of anti-diphtheria serum and issued directives for the establishment of isolation wards in medical teaching institutions (MTIs) and district headquarters hospitals (DHQs) to manage diphtheria patients effectively.
Health advisor refuted the impression that there was a shortage of anti-diphtheria serum in the province.
Simultaneously, the K-P government achieved a groundbreaking milestone in e-governance by introducing a paperless file work system called the K-P Digital Workspace in administrative departments.
Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan officially launched the system, marking K-P as the first province in the country to embrace digitalization in government departments.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 11th, 2023.