Young doctors 'besiege' secretariat for pay hike

Demand up to 100% raise as salary freeze since 2016 sparks sit-in

PESHAWAR:

Young doctors have set up a protest camp outside the office of the Provincial Health Secretary, alleging that their salaries have not been increased since 2016.

A large number of doctors from across the province gathered at the Provincial Health Secretariat for the ongoing sit-in. Convoys of doctors from Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Hazara region, and every district continued to arrive one after another to join the protest.

Each incoming convoy of doctors chanted slogans and displayed passionate enthusiasm, causing the entire parking area outside the Health Secretary's office to become overcrowded and inaccessible. The Health Secretary himself remained confined to his office.

The protesting doctors have vowed to remain camped outside the Health Secretary's office until their demands are met. They have arranged tents, bedding, and food supplies for their sit-in.

Chanting slogans with fervour, the doctors turned the Provincial Health Secretariat into what resembled a political rally. The intense sloganeering and rush also disrupted the routine work of secretariat employees.

Police personnel have been deployed to handle any potential untoward situation.

Talking to the media, Provincial President of the Young Doctors Association, Dr Isfandyar, said survival on current salaries has become impossible in times of inflation.

"While our demand is a 100 per cent increase in salaries, the government should, considering economic difficulties and the hard duty performed by doctors, raise salaries by at least 50 per cent," he said.