Peshawar (Nadir Khan): Dr. Hafeez Orakzi, President of the Young Doctors Association, has raised alarm over the deteriorating state of the health sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, he revealed that no doctors have been recruited since 2018, leaving district headquarters hospitals across the province without essential facilities like MRI and CT scans.
Dr. Orakzi criticized the government for prioritizing corruption over health sector reforms, pointing out the absence of radiologists and basic diagnostic tools in public hospitals. He emphasized the need for security measures, citing incidents where doctors have faced threats and violence from armed individuals linked to political figures.
The Young Doctors Association has demanded the government address longstanding issues, including timely promotions, proper accommodation, and the establishment of internal hostels for medical staff. Dr. Orakzi also called for the recruitment of 30,000 doctors to fill vacant positions and urged Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandhapur to declare a health emergency.
Warning of potential protests, Dr. Orakzi stated that if the government fails to strengthen grassroots healthcare and recruit doctors on merit, the association will boycott duties across the province. The crisis underscores the urgent need for reforms to ensure safe and effective healthcare for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.