Paramedics protest health, nursing councils' merger

PESHAWAR:

In response to a call from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Paramedical Association, a peaceful protest was held on Wednesday outside Peshawar Press Club against the decision to merge the Pakistan Allied Health Professional Council (AHPC) and Pakistan Nursing Midwifery Council (PNMC).

The paramedical staff participating in the protest demonstration rejected the federal government's decision. Provincial President of the Association Anwar Khan led the protest.

Addressing the protesters, Provincial President Anwar Khan, former Provincial President Syed Rooydar Shah, Provincial Chairman Johar Ali, President Peshawar Division Mujahid Azam, Additional Secretary General Shamsul Taj, and General Secretary Peshawar District Syed Mubarak Shah suggested that the federal government should initiate the registration of millions of paramedics across the country instead of merging the Pakistan Allied Health Professional Council with the Nursing Council, as it would generate billions of rupees in revenue.

Additionally, these registered paramedics could secure jobs abroad, earning substantial foreign exchange for the country, they said.

They strongly protested against the federal government's proposed merger and demanded its withdrawal.

The protesters held banners and placards with slogans condemning the merger. Speakers condemned the federal government's decision, stating that treating millions of paramedics across the country as stepmother is a grave injustice.

It may be mentioned here that in Pakistan, several councils are functioning in the health sector, including the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, Nursing Council, Pharmacy Council, Homeopathic Council, Traditional Medicine Council, and even the Pakistan Animal Sciences Council.

However, on the other hand, there is an unjust attempt to merge the newly established Pakistan Allied Health Professional Council into the Nursing Council.

This is despite the fact that these paramedics are selflessly serving humanity day and night in hospitals across the country, they said, adding that the government should act wisely and reconsider its decision to avoid hurting and depriving millions of paramedics of their rights.