Panel to probe HMC nurse harassment

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has constituted a high-level fact-finding committee to probe allegations of harassment, mismanagement and violation of rules levelled by a charge nurse at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC).

According to a notification issued by the department, the move follows complaints by Charge Nurse Shakeela Naz against the hospital administration regarding alleged harassment in the gynaecology operation theatre, administrative irregularities and other related matters. The decision for a transparent, impartial and merit-based inquiry was taken on the directive of the Health Minister.

The committee will be headed by Special Secretary (B&D) Health Department Dr Khalil Parvez. Its other members include Dr Anisa Afridi, representative of the Director General Health Services, and Dr Laila Zeb, Associate Professor of Gynaecology at Lady Reading Hospital.The committee has been empowered to co-opt additional experts if required.

It has been authorised to record statements of the complainant and relevant officers, and to examine all documentary evidence, official records, duty rosters, attendance registers and other related documents.

The panel will determine whether the allegations are true, partially true or baseless.

If negligence, mismanagement, abuse of authority or breach of rules is established, the committee will identify those responsible and recommend legal as well as departmental action. Should the charges prove unfounded, a clear report to that effect will also be prepared.

The Health Department has directed the committee to submit its comprehensive report, complete with evidence and recommendations, to the government within 15 days of the notification's issuance.