The Punjab Young Doctors Association (YDA) recorded a strong protest against the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) Senior Vice President (SVP) Professor Dr Khalid Masood Gondal in Mayo Hospital and King Edward Medical University (KEMU).
The problem erupted over the allegation that he is trying to create problems in the hospital by inciting MBBS students against young doctors. The group held a rally from the Mayo Hospital to the KEMU vice chancellor (VC) office. During their protest they raised slogans demanding stern action against Prof Gondal.
The real issue started last week when some doctors were denied their inductions as postgraduate trainees and they allegedly locked the head of the children ward Dr Akmal Laeeq in his office. When this event occurred some senior professors resigned en bloc compelling their students to hold another protest against the unruly behaviour of the YDA. The office bearers of the Punjab YDA held a press conference in the Mayo hospital yesterday in which they tendered an unconditional apology to Dr Laeeq. The KEMU vice chancellor formed a committee to probe the incident thoroughly.
Punjab YDA President Doctor Matloob Mughal, from the Mayo Hospital told Pakistan Today that a sort of politics is being played by the Punjab Medical Association (PMA) to protect Dr Khalid Gondal. He was of the view that Dr Gondal must not be allowed to sit in the academic council meeting because he is a party to the case. A young doctor called Kazim Ali, who performs his duties in the oncology ward, which is headed by Dr Gondal, told this scribe that he has not seen his head in the ward since the last six months. This is due to the fact that Dr Gondal performs multiple tasks as the SVP in CPSP, and of Head of both the Surgery and Oncology wards.
A group from the YDA later held negotiations with a group of senior professors. This group consisted of former VC Dr Asad Aslam, pro-vice chancellor Dr Qazi saeed and registrar Dr Atif. During the meeting they were assured that their grievances will be addressed amicably. While talking to the media, Dr Asad Aslam said that justice will be awarded in the matter.
Another faction of doctors from YDA Pakistan distanced itself from the protest being undertaken by the Punjab chapter. YDA Pakistan President Dr Atif Kazmi told Pakistan today that his party stands behind the medical teachers and has nothing to do with the ongoing protest.
Punjab YDA Media Secretary, Dr Khurram Shehzad, said that if their reservations are not rectified then they will stage a protest during the convocation in chief minister’s presence. The convocation is to be held on August 15. Dr shehzad thinks that Pakistan YDA is trying to create rifts among young doctors and playing in the hands of the PMA.
When contacted, Medical Superintendent (MS) of Mayo hospital, Dr Amjad Shehzaad, told Pakistan today that the protest by YDA did not create any kind of hindrance in the manner in which the hospital functions. He added that both the parties have admitted their faults and issue must be resolved amicably.