I would like to highlight the pathetic conditions in government-run hospitals. Doctors hardly pay attention to patients who mostly belong to the poor section of society. But more bitter is the fact that there is no one to check their negligence and indifferent attitude towards their patients.
Doctors in private hospitals are better only because they are answerable to their seniors and also because there are checks and balances and constant monitoring by their superiors. Patients who consult doctors at government hospitals do not have much choice as they cannot afford expensive private hospitals.
Besides, one will never find medicines at government hospitals, and the authorities concerned always give a lame excuse of not having sufficient funds for medicines and other essentials items. In fact, funds for medicines are misused, leaving the common man to suffer mental and physical agonies.
Ironically, our leaders are not much bothered about these issues. When our leaders need medical assistance, they always fly off to the UK, UAE etc. The government should put doctors under tight scrutiny on the pattern of private hospitals. They should remember the oath taken by them.
MEHREEN FAROOQ
Karachi
