NEW DELHI: The Grand health alliance in Balochistan organised a protest on Saturday against the government’s proposal to privatize hospitals in the provincial capital, Dawn reported. A considerable gathering of government hospital personnel, including paramedics and nurses, congregated at Civil Hospital and proceeded to march along the main roads and streets of Quetta.
According to Dawn, alliance leaders Salam Zehri, Jamal Shah Kakar, Haji Shafaa Mengal, Lala Sultan, and others addressed the protesters. They voiced their dissatisfaction, highlighting that instead of enhancing hospital facilities, the government is considering privatization. Protesters demonstrated, chanting slogans against the government and criticizing the proposed plan.
The protesters demanded the dismissal of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, branding him as ‘incompetent,’ Dawn reported. They urged for the enhancement of hospital standards and guaranteeing free healthcare access to the public, rather than transferring ownership to private entities.
“Instead of giving hospitals private ownership, their conditions should be improved so that free healthcare can be made available to people,” one of the protesters was quoted by Dawn.
They vowed to resist privatization and urged the government to reconsider its decision. Additionally, they stated that they had met with the provincial health secretary to discuss the issue, informing the authorities of their stance and concerns.
In recent times, healthcare in Pakistan has been struggling. According to a November 2023 report by Dawn, six hospitals in Pakistan were forced to shut down after a funding request was denied. Additionally, many doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff members either haven’t received their salaries or fear that their wages will be halted next month due to a lack of funds.
Pakistan’s health ministry reportedly requested the finance ministry to release a supplementary grant of PKR 11.096 billion to ensure the smooth functioning of hospitals, organizations, and ancillary departments within the ministry.
According to Dawn, alliance leaders Salam Zehri, Jamal Shah Kakar, Haji Shafaa Mengal, Lala Sultan, and others addressed the protesters. They voiced their dissatisfaction, highlighting that instead of enhancing hospital facilities, the government is considering privatization. Protesters demonstrated, chanting slogans against the government and criticizing the proposed plan.
The protesters demanded the dismissal of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, branding him as ‘incompetent,’ Dawn reported. They urged for the enhancement of hospital standards and guaranteeing free healthcare access to the public, rather than transferring ownership to private entities.
“Instead of giving hospitals private ownership, their conditions should be improved so that free healthcare can be made available to people,” one of the protesters was quoted by Dawn.
They vowed to resist privatization and urged the government to reconsider its decision. Additionally, they stated that they had met with the provincial health secretary to discuss the issue, informing the authorities of their stance and concerns.
In recent times, healthcare in Pakistan has been struggling. According to a November 2023 report by Dawn, six hospitals in Pakistan were forced to shut down after a funding request was denied. Additionally, many doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff members either haven’t received their salaries or fear that their wages will be halted next month due to a lack of funds.
Pakistan’s health ministry reportedly requested the finance ministry to release a supplementary grant of PKR 11.096 billion to ensure the smooth functioning of hospitals, organizations, and ancillary departments within the ministry.