ISLAMABAD: A large of number of sacked employees of the recently-dissolved Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) gathered outside its building on Wednesday and protested against their dismissal.

Last week, President Dr Arif Alvi dissolved the PMDC through an ordinance, which paved the way for establishment of Pakistan Medical Commission.

On October 20, despite being Sunday, the Ministry of National Health Services sealed the council building and notified that the service of 220 employees had been terminated.

Gerald Shad, a protocol officer of the dissolved PMDC who was going to retire on Thursday (today), was among the protesters.

Talking to this reporter, he said a few days ago the staff of the council was planning to arrange a farewell party for him, but just a day before attaining the age of superannuation he was sitting outside the council gate and was not even allowed to enter the building.

“I don’t know whether I would get my gratuity and other retirement benefits,” he said.

Amjad Dildar, a superintendent in the council who was also going to retire on Thursday (today), also expressed similar feelings.

Nargis Shaheen, a retired employee, was also worried as it was said that because of the new presidential ordinance the pensions of employees would also be stopped.

Another employee, who did not want to be named, said a week ago his son was asking money from him to get admission to a university.

“I have observed during the last three days that he has started looking for a job. It is painful for me, but I am also aware that I cannot afford the expenses of his education anymore,” he said.

While mediapersons were there, an announcement was made on Wednesday that security guards should leave the outer premises of the council, which triggered rumours that efforts would be made to shift the council’s record in a day or two.

A former employee, requesting anonymity, said there was sensitive record in the building such as cases against doctors and deficiencies of medical colleges.

When Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza was asked during a press conference why the PMDC employees were terminated from service, he said ‘small sacrifices are given for a big cause’.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2019