ISLAMABAD: Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at the Workplace (Fospah) Fauzia Viqar held a meeting with the health ministry and its ancillary departments to strengthen protections for female healthcare workers.

The health ministry committed to ensuring the establishment of internal anti-harassment committees in all healthcare facilities and to carry out a detailed audit of these institutions regarding the availability of necessary facilities for healthcare workers.

The meeting was convened in response to reports of harassment and to address the ongoing challenges of sexual harassment and gender discrimination faced by female healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, in both public and private health sectors across Pakistan.

Ms Viqar stressed the need for compliance with the requirements in the law and outlined ways and measures to better ensure the safety, security, and well-being of frontline healthcare workers.

She highlighted specific measures such as common rooms, functional bathrooms, and CCTV surveillance, underscoring the urgent need for improved workplace facilities to ensure the dignity and safety of female healthcare workers.

Ministry of Health, Pims, NIH, PMDC, and Polyclinic representatives provided the status of progress on key areas, including the establishment of Anti-Harassment Committees, the display of the code of conduct in all ]facilities, staff training and awareness on harassment laws, the current state of facilities for doctors and staff, and updates on ongoing harassment cases.

The meeting concluded with several key resolutions to enhance protections for healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and para-medical staff.

Special secretary ministry of health Mirza Nasiruddin Mashud expressed his resolve to establishing internal anti-harassment committees in all healthcare facilities and to carry out a detailed audit of these institutions regarding the availability of necessary facilities for healthcare workers.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2024