PMA decries doctors' suspensions, health services outsourcing

Association seeks security for doctors, rejects transfer of public healthcare facilities to NGOs and private institutions

IV Report

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has voiced concern over the healthcare situation in Balochistan, condemning the suspension of doctors and opposing what it described as the outsourcing of public healthcare facilities and their budgets to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private institutions.

In a statement issued after an emergent meeting of its Central Council at PMA House in Karachi on Sunday, the association said the transfer of public healthcare services to non-state entities undermined universal access to healthcare and weakened government accountability for essential health services.

The meeting, presided over by PMA Centre President Dr Izhar Ahmed Chaudhary, also expressed grave concern over the Government of Balochistan's recent suspension of doctors, describing the action as harassment intended to suppress the legitimate grievances of the medical community.

The Central Council urged the government to ensure the immediate safety and foolproof security of doctors and other healthcare workers serving across Balochistan, citing deteriorating working conditions in the province.

The association also raised concerns over the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), saying the existing examination system suffered from serious shortcomings affecting its transparency and fairness. It called for structural reforms to ensure a transparent admission process that safeguards academic standards for aspiring medical students.

On organisational matters, the Central Council endorsed the notification issued by the president of PMA Balochistan for the formation of a provincial Election Commission. The commission has been mandated under the association's constitution to conduct PMA Balochistan elections within the next three months and has been authorised to determine the venue, date and time of polling independently.

PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said the association remained committed to protecting the rights of medical professionals while defending the public's right to accessible, state-backed healthcare.


Photos courtesy: PMA

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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