Harassment FIRs Against Healthcare Workers Condemned

News Desk

KARACHI: The medical community in Pakistan has voiced strong condemnation of the escalating harassment and violence faced by healthcare professionals, following a series of alarming incidents across the country.

These include the alleged assault of a female doctor in Lahore and the registration of FIRs against 27 doctors at Liaquat University Hospital in Hyderabad, raising serious concerns about the safety and integrity of medical staff.

In an interview with Dawn, Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro of the Pakistan Medical Association described the current environment as one of unprecedented psychological dread and administrative persecution.

He warned that such conditions are compelling many healthcare professionals, both seasoned specialists and young medical officers, to reconsider their careers or seek opportunities abroad.

The implications of this hostile work environment extend beyond individual practitioners; it threatens the very foundation of Pakistan’s healthcare delivery system.

The Pakistan Medical Association has characterized the situation as indicative of a rapid deterioration that could lead to a collapse of essential health services, ultimately affecting patient care and public health outcomes.

As the medical fraternity calls for urgent reforms and protective measures, stakeholders are expected to convene in the coming weeks to address these pressing issues.

The need for a safe and supportive work environment for healthcare workers has never been more critical, as the country grapples with ongoing health crises.