As much as I believe in the sanctity of the medical profession, there are moments when desperation and a lack of viable alternatives force doctors and healthcare workers to resort to strikes.

The recent events at Sahiwal Teaching Hospital (STH) show such a situation. Doctors and paramedics have been on strike for two weeks following the suspension of Dr Umer Farooq, additional principal medical officer, and the subsequent detention of doctors on charges of inefficiency and misconduct by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The strike crisis stems from a fire in the paediatric ward on the third floor of STH on the morning of June 9. The fire was caused by a malfunctioning air-conditioning system, which led to significant administrative actions.

Doctors are responsible for patients’ welfare, whereas the air-conditioning system is the responsibility of a contractor. But the fire only burnt doctors as Medical Superintendent Dr Akhter Mahboob was transferred on administrative grounds for negligence, and STH principal Prof. Dr Imran Hasan was given additional charge as the new medical superintendent.

The healthcare system has long been plagued by insufficient funding, inadequate infrastructure, and bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Dr Umer Farooq faces charges under section 06 of the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline, and........

© Daily Times