PESHAWAR, May 25: The provincial government has removed the director-general health services, NWFP, Brigadier Dr Habibur Rehman, and asked him to assume acting charge as chief executive of the Lady Reading Hospital.

He has been replaced by Dr Jalilur Rehman, who until now served as medical superintendent of the Lady Reading Hospital. The transfer of the director-general health was long on cards, since the coming into power of the MMA-led government.

Dr Rehman was at loggerhead with the health minister, Inayatullah Khan, because of the former’s role in the introduction of the institution-based practice.

Many senior pro-Jamaat-i-Islami doctors, who had tendered their resignations against the introduction of the IBP in the public sector had been actively lobbying to get him replaced. These doctors regarded the DG as the moving soul behind the IBP.

The health department sent four letters to the DHQ, Islamabad, asking for the withdrawal of the services of the Dr Rehman, but all the letters remained unattended.

officials suspended: The NWFP Government has notified the suspension of the medical superintendent of the Emergency Satellite Hospital, Pabbi, Dr Amanullah, and the medical officer of the hospital, Dr. Waqar Ahmed for showing gross negligence in their duties, APP adds.

Both the doctors have been directed to hand over the additional charge of the post of the in charge of the hospital to Dr Hafiz Said Mahmud with immediate effect.

A few days ago, the suspended officials were found to be absent from their duties during a surprise visit by provincial health minister secretary.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister has directed doctors and health workers to ensure their presence in their respective health centres and avoid inefficiency.