SWAT: The medical staff of Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital announced on Saturday a full strike starting tomorrow (Monday) to protest against what they described as the police’s unfair treatment of a senior physician.

The doctors explained that the controversy started when a motorbike accident victim was brought to the hospital in critical condition. Although the patient received initial medical care, he succumbed to his injuries.

Following the news of his death, the victim’s relatives reportedly became emotional and assaulted the on-duty senior neurosurgery registrar.

The situation escalated, leading to police intervention.

However, the doctors alleged that the police, without conducting a proper inquiry, arrested the senior doctor and took him into custody.

In a collective decision, the hospital staff announced a strike, suspending all services except emergency care. Outpatient departments (OPDs) would remain closed until further notice, with only emergency services available during the strike.

They condemned the police’s actions as unwarranted and biased, calling for immediate corrective measures.

Meanwhile, the grieving relatives of the deceased, identified as Zulqarnain, accused the hospital staff of negligence, alleging that the delay in the neurosurgeon’s arrival contributed to the patient’s death.

In response to the hospital staff’s allegations, the police denied arresting the doctor, stating that their primary concern was to protect him from the agitated crowd.

A Saidu Sharif police official clarified that the doctor had not been arrested but was relocated to the police station for his safety.

As tensions between the hospital staff and the police remain unresolved, the strike is expected to continue until a resolution is reached.

In the meantime, patients and their families are bearing the brunt of the unfolding crisis.

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2024