Syed Adnan
PESHAWAR: A shocking revelation has emerged regarding doctors who were on leave from public hospitals running their own private clinics and hospitals. This alarming development has led to a deteriorating situation in government-run healthcare facilities, compelling patients to seek treatment in private hospitals.
Reports indicate that the Health Department dispatched District Health Officers and Medical Superintendents across the province to investigate this matter. It has been uncovered that Medical Officers, Women Medical Officers, and specialist doctors, upon availing leaves from the Health Department, are operating their private clinics in close proximity to government hospitals.
This revelation has raised concerns about the adverse impact on patients seeking treatment in public hospitals. The actions of these doctors have come under scrutiny, causing distress to the Health Department. In this challenging time, Secretary Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mehmood Aslam, deserves commendation for his unwavering commitment to improving the healthcare system in the province.
Under his leadership, significant strides have been made towards enhancing the quality of healthcare services and infrastructure. Furthermore, the Director General Health, Dr. Shaukat, has played a crucial role in overseeing and implementing vital healthcare initiatives in the region.
His dedication to public health has been evident in his tireless efforts to address the challenges within the healthcare sector. Dr. Shaukat’s leadership has been instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability within the health system.
His initiatives have aimed to provide better healthcare access to all residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regardless of their economic status. Directives have been issued in the dispatch that all doctors on leave must return within seven days and provide a detailed report of their activities during their absence.
This investigation is not limited to Peshawar alone; doctors in major cities and smaller towns throughout the province have been found to divert their attention from government hospitals to their private practices. Patients suffering due to the absence of doctors in government hospitals often turn to private healthcare providers for timely medical attention, incurring additional financial burdens.
The government has strongly criticized the self-serving actions of these doctors, which lead to further hardships for the common people seeking medical care. The need for immediate action to rectify this situation is apparent.
Patients should not be forced into private healthcare due to the unavailability of doctors in government hospitals. The government’s stance is clear: doctors on leave must prioritize their responsibilities within public healthcare facilities.
The impact of this issue on the healthcare system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is significant, and swift measures are required to ensure that government hospitals can provide the necessary care to the people who rely on them. Secretary Mehmood Aslam and Director General Health Dr. Shaukat’s leadership and dedication to healthcare reform will be instrumental in addressing these challenges and ensuring a better future for the people of the province.
