Demotion of 400 doctors criticized

Published February 13, 2006

RAWALPINDI, Feb 12: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has condemned the demotion of about 400 doctors, promoted seven years ago under the devolution plan, by the Punjab government and demanded their reinstatement.

Speaking at a press conference here on Sunday, PMA President Dr Umar Ayub Khan said most of these doctors were working as senior registrars and assistant professors in the teaching hospitals of Punjab. This move has put the recognition of some teaching hospitals by the PMDC in jeopardy, he added.

He urged upon the provincial government to review its decision in the interest of the doctors’ community and patients welfare.

He also alleged that the government continued to purchase vaccines worth millions of rupees under the EPI in violation of the Public Procurement Rules.—A Reporter