Patient's death: JPMC doctor seeks relief

A senior Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) doctor has sought relief from her post amid growing controversy over the death of a 65-year-old patient who was transferred from the hospital's emergency department to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) on July 28. The doctor has cited an unhealthy work environment, internal interference and professional pressure, while the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Sindh has alleged that she is being made a scapegoat to protect the doctor in charge of the night shift.

Dr Sanobar Sikandar, the only senior emergency medicine doctor at Jinnah Hospital, submitted a request to the hospital's Executive Director seeking relief from her responsibilities as an assistant professor of medicine.

According to Dr Sanobar, she faced criticism from the hospital administration after being asked to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident. She said the lack of appropriate action over the incident had made it difficult for her to continue carrying out her medical, teaching and administrative responsibilities.

In her application, Dr Sanobar cited a lack of professional respect in the emergency department, an unhealthy working environment, internal political interference and inappropriate behaviour by junior doctors, saying these circumstances had caused her severe mental stress. "I have reached a point where it has become extremely difficult to continue my services under the prevailing circumstances."

The YDA Sindh has opposed the situation and called on the Jinnah Hospital administration to resolve the matter immediately. YDA Sindh Chairman Dr Mehboob Noonari said Dr Sanobar was the hospital's only FCPS assistant professor in emergency medicine, as well as a faculty member of the FCPS programme and supervisor of trainee doctors. He warned that her departure could seriously affect the FCPS programme and potentially lead to its closure.

Dr Noonari alleged that Dr Sanobar was being pressurised to shield the night-shift in-charge. He questioned why the in-charge was being protected and demanded that the administration explain the reasons. He further alleged that senior doctors had pressured Dr Sanobar over why she had issued an explanation regarding the incident.