Adding insult to injury: Doctors up in arms over medical superintendent’s suspension

Give health minister seven-days to take back decision

BATKHELA/PESHAWAR: Doctors and administrative staff of District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Batkhela took offense at Minister for Health Shahram Tarakai’s decision to suspend the medical superintendent.

Insiders familiar with the matter told The Express Tribune, Tarakai visited the hospital Tuesday morning to ensure earthquake victims had been given proper treatment.  During the visit, he suspended Medical Superintendent Dr Iftikhar for not making adequate arrangements.

Following Tarakai’s visit, the hospital administration summoned a meeting which was attended by a large number of doctors. Participants of the meeting said Tarakai visited the hospital along with various district administration officials.

“Tarakai insulted the medical superintendent in front of a large number of people, including his subordinates,” one of the insiders said. “He told the medical superintendent to leave the hospital immediately. This is an insult.”

After the meeting, doctors held a symbolic strike to voice their objections over the decision. Many of them said they do not want to hold a large protest due to the earthquake that has left over 200 people dead. The hospital staff urged Tarakai to take back his decision and apologise to the medical superintendent.

They gave the health minister seven days to fulfil their demand and threatened to hold massive demonstrations across the province if he did not reinstate Dr Iftikhar.

“Tarakai should appreciate the staff,” a hospital official said. “They manage to provide medical assistance to those affected by a major catastrophe even though there is a dearth of resources. If he is serious about helping earthquake victims, Tarakai should provide financial assistance to the hospital staff and provide medicines.”

Priority basis

According to an official handout, Minister for Education Muhammad Atif Khan had directed health department officials to ensure suitable health care facilities to those who were injured in the earthquake. Speaking at DHQ Hospital Mardan Monday night, he pressed the district administration to conduct a detailed survey of damages caused by the disaster.

“People are not alone during this difficult period,” he said. “The whole nation is with them.”

He said the provincial government will ensure assistance is provided to the affected population.

“The government will utilise all its available resources to rehabilitate those affected,” he said. “We are not oblivious of our obligation.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2015.