Penalising protests: Govt to deduct salaries of doctors on strike

Health minister says medical professionals avoid setting up practice at hospitals to evade tax

PESHAWAR:

The government is not sitting idle but is closely monitoring issues being faced by locals because of the doctors’ strike at teaching hospitals, said Minister for Health Shahram Tarakai. He announced the government has decided to deduct the salaries of protesting doctors.

Tarakai, in his address at the Universal Health Coverage Day programme held at the health secretariat on Khyber Road said, “The government is not afraid of protesting doctors and [strikes at hospitals] have become fashionable.”



“There was previously no monitoring system for teachers and doctors in the province but unfortunately, the government’s hand has been forced.” Tarakai added a few doctors with a bad reputation have given the majority a bad name.

“Doctors have been unwilling to work at district headquarters hospitals, leaving thousands deprived of health services,” said the minister, adding doctors avoid practicing at institutes only to avoid income tax. However, he added, the government is likely to promulgate laws which will help bring doctors back on track. “District hospitals will be prioritized keeping in view the influx of patients from surrounding areas.”

20-20 vision

According to the minister, “The K-P government is trying to provide health care services to a population of 20 million, particularly the poor and marginalized.” Tarakai claimed investment in the health sector has proved to be the foundation for social and economic development.

Also at the Universal Health Coverage Day event, UNICEF representative Dr Muhammad Jamil said, “If you need to build a nation and achieve most of the goals, you need to first make policies.” The government should focus on preventive, promotive and curative care, added Jamil.

According to Dr Arshad Javed, “There are mafias active in the hospitals which create hurdles in the provision of the health services to the public.” Policies on how to decrease the burden of health care on the public need to be revisited.

Boycott

The Provincial Doctors Association (PDA) held protests and boycotted the outpatient department (OPD) at three major hospitals of the provincial capital from 8am to 2pm on Friday.

Dr Amir Taj, a PDA member at Hayatabad Medical Complex said they have already informed the government about their demands. The government needs to issue a stipend to house officers as well as trainee medical officers, said Taj.

He said the PDA has shared its suggestions on institutional-based practice with the government which it should consider.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2014.