Doctors Protest at Jinnah Hospital Karachi, Boycott OPDs Over Suspension of Executive Director’s Appointment

Karachi: Doctors’ associations at Jinnah Hospital staged a protest against the suspension of the deputation appointment of Executive Director, Professor Shahid Rasul. The protesters rallied with slogans, stating that Professor Shahid Rasul had led the hospital towards progress and his appointment should not be contested.
The demonstrators boycotted the Outpatient Departments (OPDs) and demanded that both the federal and provincial governments align their policies regarding the hospital. They argued that Jinnah Hospital had become part of the province under a specific agreement, but several posts within the institution remained vacant. They accused certain elements of attempting to disrupt the hospital’s operations for personal gains, asserting that the work for the betterment of the hospital and patient welfare would continue.
Dr. Nighat Shah, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, expressed concern that removing officials from administrative positions would create further complications. She emphasized that the staff present at the hospital had contributed positively to its development.
Dr. Umar Sultan, Patron-in-Chief of the Young Doctors Association, criticized ongoing legal cases that were impacting hospital wards. He stated that the association would pursue their demands in court and, starting from the next day, would wear black armbands as a form of protest.