Khyber Agency: Civil hospital accused of charging patients
Inquiry committee set up, reply to be submitted in two days
JAMRUD:
Tribesmen in Jamrud have warned to block the Afghan Highway if action is not taken against a doctor who charges patients visiting the emergency unit of the Civil Hospital.
“I took my relative to the hospital and the one doctor on duty, Shaukat Afridi, said he would not treat him unless I give Rs100,” said Malik Mian Jan Afridi. He added that many people are not aware that public hospitals do not charge money. “Doctors and nurses hide this fact from the patients.”
The hospital’s Agency Surgeon Dr Sameen Jan Shinwari said that no one in the government hospital is allowed to charge money for treatment. In case of violation, strict action would be taken against the staff involved in minting money or misbehaving, he said, adding, “We have set up a committee that will inquire about the issue and submit a report within two days.” The inquiry will be conducted by Medical Superintendent Dr Pir Muhammad.
Talking to The Express Tribune, a senior staff member, requesting anonymity, said that is not the first time that Dr Shaukat has charged a fee. He added that the accused also runs a private clinic in the mornings.
Koki Khel tribe chief Malik Faizullah Jan said that the political administration has been told countless times about medical staff misbehaving with patients. “When nurses deliver a baby, they ask the family for money,” he said adding that the officials concerned should take action and suspend the staff involved.
Dr Afridi, however, denied all charges against him. “Don’t I know that we are not allowed to charge a fee? There are some people who want me to quit and they are conspiring against me,” he said. “I am sincere to my profession.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2012.
Tribesmen in Jamrud have warned to block the Afghan Highway if action is not taken against a doctor who charges patients visiting the emergency unit of the Civil Hospital.
“I took my relative to the hospital and the one doctor on duty, Shaukat Afridi, said he would not treat him unless I give Rs100,” said Malik Mian Jan Afridi. He added that many people are not aware that public hospitals do not charge money. “Doctors and nurses hide this fact from the patients.”
The hospital’s Agency Surgeon Dr Sameen Jan Shinwari said that no one in the government hospital is allowed to charge money for treatment. In case of violation, strict action would be taken against the staff involved in minting money or misbehaving, he said, adding, “We have set up a committee that will inquire about the issue and submit a report within two days.” The inquiry will be conducted by Medical Superintendent Dr Pir Muhammad.
Talking to The Express Tribune, a senior staff member, requesting anonymity, said that is not the first time that Dr Shaukat has charged a fee. He added that the accused also runs a private clinic in the mornings.
Koki Khel tribe chief Malik Faizullah Jan said that the political administration has been told countless times about medical staff misbehaving with patients. “When nurses deliver a baby, they ask the family for money,” he said adding that the officials concerned should take action and suspend the staff involved.
Dr Afridi, however, denied all charges against him. “Don’t I know that we are not allowed to charge a fee? There are some people who want me to quit and they are conspiring against me,” he said. “I am sincere to my profession.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2012.