Medical Community Decries Harassment and Legal Actions Against Doctors

KARACHI: Medical professionals across Pakistan are voicing strong condemnation of the hostile work environment in health facilities, citing a surge in harassment, violence, and the troubling registration of FIRs against doctors. These developments are raising alarms about the safety and operational integrity of healthcare providers.

The concerns were amplified following a series of distressing incidents, including the alleged assault of a female doctor in Lahore and the registration of FIRs against 27 doctors at Liaquat University Hospital in Hyderabad. Additionally, a court case has been filed against medical staff at the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital in Karachi, further exacerbating fears regarding the treatment of healthcare workers.

Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro of the Pakistan Medical Association described the situation as alarming, indicating a rapid deterioration of Pakistan’s healthcare delivery system. He emphasized that healthcare professionals are now working under an unprecedented atmosphere of psychological dread and public humiliation, which is compelling many to abandon clinical practice or emigrate.

In light of these developments, medical bodies are calling for immediate reforms to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. They urge the government to address these issues promptly to prevent further deterioration of the healthcare system and to protect the rights and dignity of medical professionals.