Young doctors threaten to go on strike

Young Doctors Association (YDA) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter has warned of boycott across the province if the provincial government does not improve working conditions of medical graduates and increase their salaries.

Addressing a presser, YDA K-P president Dr Hafeez Orakzai highlighted several issues, including the lack of basic facilities in major hospitals, the flawed health card system, and the increased professional tax on doctors from 30 to 80 percent.

He also pointed out that the Public Service Commission has not made recruitment of doctors for the past six years, and merit-based doctors are being ignored in favor of those with political connections.

Dr Hafiz demanded that house job salaries be increased, doctors' salaries be raised, and timely promotions be ensured.

He also requested that professional people be included in the board of governors and that internal hostels be established in medical colleges to provide accommodation for doctors. Furthermore, he demanded that house officers be paid and provided with specialization slots.

The YDA president paid tribute to the dedication of doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, earthquakes, and floods, but lamented that they are not being recognized or rewarded.

He requested that doctors who lost their lives during the pandemic be given the Shaheed package, and the COVID-19 funds be utilized for their intended purpose.

Dr Hafiz warned that if their demands are not met, the YDA will be forced to shut down all hospitals in Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa and continue their protest until the health minister resigns.

He urged the government to release funds for doctors and meet their demands to avoid a confrontation.