Patients suffer as doctors protest

Boycott of hospital duty continues as govt refuses to give in to doctors’ demands.

PESHAWAR: Hundreds of patients were left at the mercy of fate on Saturday as doctors’ went on strike in Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Khyber Teaching Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex on Saturday.

The Hippocratic Oath was cast aside following a protest call by Young Doctors Association (YDA), Provincial Doctors Association (PDA), Doctors Action Committee (DAC) and other organisations.

Hundreds of protesting doctors gathered at LRH and shouted slogans against the health minister. Similar demonstrations were also held in teaching hospitals of DI Khan, Abbottabad and Swat.

On Friday, the protesters had gathered outside the provincial assembly and blocked Khyber Road chanting slogans against the health minister and demanding the immediate redressal of their concerns.

The organisations announced they will continue protests on Monday if the government does not give in to their demands.

Charter of demands

The protesting doctors presented a four-point charter of demands. They have called for the immediate dismissal of Minister for Health Shahram Khan Tarakai, implementation of the agreed service structure for doctors, development of Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI) and the formulation of an effective health policy.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Dr Mohammad Faisal Khan, a member of DAC, said the abolition of PGMI and a proposed health law are not acceptable to them. Khan said following a deadlock in negotiations the doctors are left with no option but to take to the streets.

“The government has refused to pay heed to our concerns. We had recommended proposals for the law which they ignored completely,” said another DAC member Dr Amir Taj. “We want the health minister deposed as the issue has aggravated because of him,” he added. Dr Taj warned to extend demonstrations to all major hospitals of the province if the government maintains its position.

In hot water

The demonstrations however left patients and their attendants helpless as operations in out-patient departments and wards remained suspended. Even private clinics remained closed for a second consecutive day.

Jahanzeb, a resident of Mardan district, said physicians who receive fat pay cheques from the government have made protests a routine activity. He said it took him four hours to obtain an X-Ray and ECG report of his sister.

Meanwhile, PDA President Dr Rizwan held the government responsible for the suffering of patients. “We are exercising our right to protest,” he maintained.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2015.