Doctors call off deadly protest as demands met

PESHAWAR: Provincial Doctors Association (PDA) here Monday called off their strike in public sector hospitals while medical practitioners and young doctors joined their duties.President PDA Dr Shah Sawar in presence of doctors and Special Health Secretary Noorul Eman made the announcement during a press conference here.The announcement was made after PDA office bearers held successful talks with health department officials regarding implementation of their six-point agenda.Dr Shah Sawar said health department officials had patiently heard their problems and assured resolutions. He said they were assured that salary package of doctors would be enhanced on the pattern of Punjab province.Noorul Eman Khan said most issues of doctors have been resolved. He said the government took a proactive measure to accommodate students who had passed FCPS-I examination to meet the current and future needs.It merits mentioning here Governor Sindh on Sunday announced substantial raise in the salary packages for doctors, nurses and paramedical staff associated with the Sindh government’s hospitals.The governor also announced raise in the stipends for house officers and junior doctors undergoing post-graduate training programmes.”Government has already accepted the recommendations of the committee comprising ministers and officials associated with provincial health and finance ministries as well as vice chancellors of different public sector medical universities,” said Dr. Ishratul Ibad.Meanwhile, Balochistan government has suspended the services of 66 medical officers of provincial Sandeman Hospital including five senior medical officer.It may be recalled here that these doctors were on strike and the Balochistan government has issued them notice to join the duty. They neither called off their strike nor joined their duty.In view of the strike and not joining duty the Government of Balochistan has terminated services of 61 medical officers and five senior medical officers. – Statesman