Showing support: Doctors seek political backing against MTI Reforms Act 2015

ANP announces its support for medical professionals

PESHAWAR:

As part of their efforts to get rid of K-P Medical Teaching Institutions Reforms Act 2015, doctors have started seeking the support of political parties against Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government. As soon as the act was passed in the provincial legislature, doctors, although few in number, agitated against it.

After realising the government was unwilling to yield, the medics started reaching out to party leaders to seek their support. Many were already in consultation with political forces including Awami National Party.

On Tuesday, ANP K-P General Secretary Sardar Hussain Babak assured the doctors of his party’s complete backing. He met member doctors of the All Employees Coordination Council (AECC) and assured ANP would help their struggle against K-P MTI Reforms Act 2015.

Members of the All Pakistan Paramedics Association and Malgari doctors were also present on the occasion.

Babak told doctor unions ANP would give the government a tough time over the legislation and raise a voice against discrimination and the violation of rights.

In a statement issued from Bacha Khan Markaz, Babak was quoted as saying doctors were being threatened. He added ANP was not against reforms in hospitals, but the government must consult all stakeholders including people in the medical profession before making any decision.

On November 7, Peoples Doctors Forum (PDF) condemned PTI Chairperson Imran Khan’s remarks against doctors. According to a statement issued on Saturday, PDF Spokesperson Dr Daud Iqbal said doctors had serious reservations against the MTI Reforms Act and had voiced their concerns. “Since our demands were not met, we appealed to the court which annoyed the PTI chief who labelled us a ‘mafia’ and made derogatory remarks,” he said.

Expressing his reservations on the boards of governors of teaching hospitals in the province, Iqbal claimed members were chosen on political grounds rather than merit.

“Transparency will only come about if the government publishes advertisements for members who are independent and committed to serving people,” he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2015.