This is apropos of news item about the strikes of Young Doctors in Punjab( Feb 16). This is very unfortunate that “Doctors’ belonging to one of the respected profession in the world are protesting to reinstate their two Doctors belonging to Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC). They are doing so just to pressurize government to succumb to their petty and mundane demand. Even when Health secretary has stepped down besides top brass of health department and judicial inquiry is underway, such demand is against the principles of fair play and justice. Worst thing is that Medical superintendents of public sector hospitals failed to safeguard the rights of poor patients coming from far flung areas who were denied treatment in these hospitals. These so-called “young doctors” are playing in the hands of few senior doctors who want to blackmail government by these tactics. It is sheer violation of Supreme Court orders who barred doctors from going on strike putting at stake rights of patients. Medical profession is an essential service and is not like labour unions. These health managers of public sector hospitals failed to implement Supreme Court orders putting the lives of patients at risk. PIC had been heaven for doctors as this hospital was made doctor’s friendly instead of patient friendly whereas some of the doctors were getting more than their share of salaries and there was nobody to question them. May I dare ask doctors’ community if they consider themselves above the law?
It is my opinion that there could be no improvement in public sector hospitals unless we appoint non-doctors as head of the institutions because present Medical superintendents are unable to regulate and control consultants of the hospital. There is need to develop professional and corporate culture to ensure betterment of patients in hospitals. These hospitals are made for patients not for doctors who sometimes goad patients to their private clinics to fleece them. I hope Chief Minister would take radical steps for the betterment of patients and appoint Medical superintendents of hospitals on merit to change the face of hospitals.
FAROOQ BASHIR BUTT,
Lahore, February 16.