PESHAWAR: The Young Doctors Association (YDA) on Tuesday criticized the provincial government, accusing it of failing to provide security and basic healthcare facilities.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club after the tragic killing of Dr Mehwish Hasnain in Kohat, YDA Provincial President Dr Asfandyar Bhittani said the tragic incident could have been avoided had adequate facilities been available at Kohat Hospital.
He held the provincial government fully responsible for what he described as “systematic failure and criminal negligence.”Dr Bhittani stated that doctors across the province are working under severe insecurity and are being forced to “carry coffins instead of stethoscopes” due to the government’s flawed policies.
He alleged that despite ruling the province for almost 13 years, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has focused only on paperwork and policymaking, while public hospitals remain deprived of basic facilities.
According to YDA leaders, the incident in Kohat occurred after a patient could not be treated promptly due to a lack of facilities.He said Dr Mehwish Hasnain reportedly advised the patient’s attendants to be patient, as three hours had passed before treatment could begin. Later, while returning home, she was allegedly shot dead by the same individuals.
Dr Bhittani lamented that hospital inspections have been reduced to photo sessions, with no meaningful accountability. He pointed out that despite a shortage of beds at Lady Reading Hospital, entire blocks remain unused. “Visits without action will not save lives,” he added.
The YDA president also accused the chief minister of avoiding action against people such as Dr Nousherwan Burki due to political connections with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan.
Dr Bhittani stated that although the Doctors Protection Act has been passed by the provincial assembly, it has not been implemented. He described it as “a law existing only on paper.”The association demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in Dr Mehwish’s killing.The YDA leaders warned that protest sit-ins would be staged at the Chief Minister’s House and Adiala Jail if their demands were not met.
