Ayub hospital to go on complete strike on Tuesday

Employees to protest against health reforms act, surplus pool

ABBOTTABAD: Ayub Teaching Hospital (ATH) in Abbottabad will be on complete strike on Tuesday to protest the health reforms act, the K-P Medical Teaching Institutions Reforms Act, 2015. The out-patient department (OPD), laboratories, operation theatres and radiology will remain closed the entire day. However, emergency services will be available for patients.

The All Employees Coordination Council (AECC) announced this on Monday after a meeting of the nursing staff, technical staff and paramedical staff associations; Pakistan Clerks Association; and Paramedical Association Class IV.

Briefing journalists in Abbottabad, AECC Patron in Chief Habibur Rehman Shah and President Abid Jadoon said in spite of tall claims to revamp the health sector in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, failed to bring a "single improvement in Ayub Teaching Hospital". Shah added the provincial health department had continuously been interfering in the autonomous workings of ATH; in appointments, promotions and day-to-day affairs. "The All Employees Coordination Council has decided to hold a one-day strike in the hospital to protest against the health reforms act which is making employees feel insecure."

They demanded the provincial government withdraw its decision to create a surplus pool from the health employees. Other demands of the AECC include providing service security to all cadres of staff, a GP Fund and pension, and a service structure for employees. Replying to a question, Shah said, "Future strategy will be decided after the provincial employees coordination council meeting in  Peshawar on Tuesday."

Funds but nothing free

Meanwhile, Peoples Doctors Forum (PDF) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa spokesperson Dr Daud Iqbal bitterly criticized the health structure in the province.

"Billions of rupees are allocated for the health sector annually yet people are not provided with free treatment and medical facilities by government hospitals." The allocated funds for free treatment for cardiology patients at ATH were not utilised due to out-of-order angiography and echo machines, said Iqbal. "The K-P Assembly passed reforms but faces great opposition as the reforms actually hinder the public’s right to free and concessional health care facilities."

Board of governors

The PDF spokesperson expressed concerns about officials who are currently on the board of governors. He claimed all were chosen for political reasons and not merit. "If the government really wants merit-based governors, they have to select board members in a transparent fashion, and not from an imported lot."

The government needs to focus on autonomy in letter & spirit, said Iqbal. "Most board members do not live in the city where they have been appointed and decisions of the hospitals have to be made based on their availability." Similarly, he added, all decisions have to be made in Peshawar, including appointments and promotions.

Challenging reforms

Iqbal pointed out hundreds of employees of public sector hospitals went to court against their own department, including those who have challenged the reforms act. This, in his opinion, clearly shows the resentment in the health sector.

He pointed out there was no provision of a surplus pool in the act but the health managers in Peshawar have harassed thousands of employees "for nothing and have created an embarrassing situation for the government". Iqbal asked the provincial government not to repeat mistakes made by former governor Lt Gen (retd) Iftikhar Hussain Shah when he imposed institution-based private practice (IBP) on doctors without making prior arrangements. Iwbal said public sector hospitals and medical colleges had then been deprived of seasoned and competent doctors as well as teachers who opted to join private institutions.