AQ Khan extends support to young doctors

Nuclear scientist says problems faced by young doctors are not addressed by the Punjab government appropriately.

LAHORE: Nuclear scientist and founder of atomic bomb Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan expressed his concerns over health issues in a meeting with a delegation of Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab on Monday.

Khan, in a signed statement, said the problems faced by young doctors who perform 12 hours long duty every day were not being addressed by the Punjab government appropriately.

He criticised the government for continuously reducing the health budget in the name of health reforms.

“Less than one per cent of the budget was spent on the health and medicines, while required equipments and medical experts were not available,” he said.

Khan stated that the doctors were just demanding a reform that will help them treat patients in the country and will increase their professional capabilities.

He urged the government to rework its priorities.

“Leaving poor patients at the mercy of private hospitals cannot be considered as good governance,” he said.

He agreed with the doctors’ complaint that delay in providing medicines cause many deaths.

While asking the government to immediately review service structure as promised, he also asked the young doctors to ensure the treatment of patients during their protest.