ISLAMABAD: As many as 22 organisations of federal employees have decided to join the protest of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) employees.

The employees of the hospital continued their protest on Saturday and announced that they will not resume work unless the government withdraws the medical teaching institution (MTI) ordinance.

On the occasion, all heads of departments at Pims expressed full support to Federal Grand Health Alliance (FGHA) and rejected the ordinance.

FGHA Chairman Dr Asfandyar Khan told the employees that 22 organisations of federal employees would join their protest on Monday.

He said the Pims executive director had asked heads of departments to negotiate with the protesters to call off the strike and protest but the HODs also rejected the MTI system and said the strike will not be called off until withdrawal of the ordinance.

Dr Hyder Abbasi said it was not a time for a new experiment by introducing a new system as healthcare workers were busy in fighting Covid-19.

“The ordinance should be withdrawn at least amidst the pandemic as things can become worse any time,” he said.

Dr Faiz Achakzai said they will continue their protest and the government will have to review its decision in the best interest of patients.

Tanveer Noshahi said FGHA representatives were ready for negotiations with the concerned authorities but they will not have any negotiations with members of the new board of governors (BoG). Meanwhile, the employees marched towards Mother and Child Hospital and also participated in a hunger strike.

The ordinance was promulgated by President Dr Arif Alvi last month under which the hospital will be run through the BoG.

The BoG members have been appointed and notified by the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) on the commendation of a search and nomination council. They also held a meeting and elected Dr Hamayun Mahmand as the chairman of the BoG.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2020