MURREE: People from various segments of society protested against Punjab government’s decision of transferring the medical superintendent of Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ) Murree.

THQ MS Dr Abdul Salam Abbasi has been ordered to report back to Health Secretariat Lahore; he had been working at THQ since the past seven months.According to protesters, Mr Abbasi was working in the best possible manner, but he was transferred over alleged ‘political’ reasons.

Addressing protesters, HUI local ameer Qari Saif ul Islam Saifi, Murree Traders’ Organisation former president Qari Rashid Abbasi, Abdul Hameed Abbasi and others said that Dr Abbasi positively changed THQ Hospital Murree and put it on the right track.

He took steps that have been very beneficial for patients. “Four seats of gynecologists were filled at the hospital; previously only one gynecologist was working in THQ hospital Murree,” they said, adding that two vacant pediatrician posts and the post of dermatologist were also filled. “Moreover, the vacant posts of CMOs and WMOs were also filled, which helped a lot for round the clock smooth work at the hospital. Vacant posts of nurses were filled for the first time in the history of the hospital,” they added.

They said: “Despite limited resources and an under-construction block for keeping Covid-19 patients, Dr Abbasi and his team treated more than 25 confirmed patients at the hospital.

“Besides this, the local community of Murree, Hazara and surrounding areas benefited a lot from the hospital. The hospital’s staff was also satisfied, working with Dr Abbasi but all of a sudden, he was transferred and replaced by Dr Mohsin Shah Bukhari from Multan, who does not have any prior experience of working as medical superintendent.”

“The community is annoyed by the Punjab government’s decision of transferring Mr Abbasi and have requested Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid to take steps and revert the transfer orders as soon as possible,” they added.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2020