Protesting doctors resume work

Attend to burn centre patients while wearing black armband

MULTAN:

Protesting doctors of the Pak-Italian Modern Burn Centre (PIBC) responded to a call from the Pakistan Medical Association by fulfilling their duties on Monday while wearing black armbands.

Following a gas leak explosion at the Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology (CPEIC) which resulted in one injured being transferred to the centre, the doctors examined the victim. PMA Multan President Dr Masoodur Rauf Hiraj stated that the burn centre in Multan was the sole facility of its kind for the people of the entire South Punjab, which the doctors would not allow to be overshadowed by politics.

“In the interest of humanity, doctors have today donned black armbands and fulfilled their duties, although protests against political interference in the burn centre will continue until its cessation,” he asserted.

Professor Wasim Rabbani, who had resigned, said the protests would continue until the appointments made in violation of merit were withdrawn, allegedly including those of the executive director and senior registrar.

All those concerned have submitted their responses to an inquiry committee formed by Nishtar Medical University Vice Chancellor Dr Mehnaz Khakwani, but its final report has not yet been released. Meanwhile, patients coming from far off for treatment at the PIBC are experiencing severe difficulties.

The VC and Nishtar Hospital MS Dr Kazim Khan enquired after the injured patient, Amjad, 35. Emergency Director Dr Zahid Ahmad briefed them about the treatment besides other facilities for the patients.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2024.