MINGORA: A jirga on Friday opposed the proposal to convert Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital into a Medical Teaching Institution (MTI).
The participants of the jirga demanded that Swat District Headquarters Hospital be restored to its original status and the MTI decision be withdrawn immediately. The jirga was chaired by President of the traders community of Malakand Division, Abdul Rahim.
Notables from the area, representatives of various political parties, doctors, traders, social activists and journalists attended the meeting. Among those present were Dr Khalid Mahmood, Irfan Chattan, Ejaz Khan, Irshad Khan, Abdul Rahim Khan, journalists, young doctors and representatives of other segments of society.
The participants stated that Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital, Central Hospital and Swat Medical College are the property of Swat District Hospital, and the imposition of the MTI system on them is illegal and against public interest.
They said the people of Swat would not accept the MTI system under any circumstances, as it would severely affect access to free and affordable healthcare for the general public.The jirga elders warned that if the government issued a notification on the MTI, a protest movement would be launched across Swat and the decision would be challenged at every forum.
They maintained that if the government or public representatives wished to establish an MTI hospital, a new hospital should be constructed on separate land, but converting Swat District Headquarters Hospital into an MTI would be an injustice to the people.
It was decided that further public consultations would be held soon and a protest plan would be announced to ensure protection of the people of Swat’s basic right to quality and free medical treatment.
Meanwhile, according to a spokesperson for the Health Employees Coordination Council of the Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals (SGTH) Swat, the council has taken emergency decisions in view of the possible enforcement of the MTI Act at SGTH by the government.
The spokesperson said that after mutual consultation it had been decided that all elective services would be completely suspended from, including the closure of all elective operation theatres. The suspension will continue until further orders.
He warned that if practical steps were not taken to fulfill previous commitments made with the action committee, the employees would be left with no option but to also begin a boycott of emergency services.
