*Hospital’s CEO says administration will not be blackmailed by any person or group
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) had to call off the International Cancer Symposium due to the disruption caused by the Young Doctors Association on Friday, who were protesting against the termination of services of seven doctors of the hospital.
Addressing a press conference, SKMCH&RC CEO Dr Faisal Sultan said that the SKM cancer symposium is an educational and research based international event where delegates from several countries gather to share their research and expertise but due to Friday’s unfortunate events at the inaugural ceremony of the symposium wherein proceedings were disrupted by violent protests, harassment and creation of a hostage situation by young doctors, the symposium organising committee had decided to cancel the event.
He said that this is not anyone’s but the whole nation’s loss as this symposium is the premier oncology meeting in the region and its cancellation is a tragedy for science and medical education, as well as being a source of national embarrassment for us all.
Dr Faisal said that it is very difficult to establish credible institutions like SKMCH&RC. He further said that this institute enjoys respect and credibility not only in Pakistan but abroad as well. He said that the management of the hospital will not be blackmailed by anyone or any group who intend to sabotage the image of the prestigious organisation.
“People come and go but good institutions remain. Some people want to destroy the image of this institution but they should know the fact that this hospital was built by the blessing of Allah Almighty and it will remain forever as it was made to serve the humanity and will continue to do so,” he concluded.
Earlier, the YDA created a rumpus outside the hospital’s premises after seven colleagues of SKMCH were terminated from service by the administration.
The YDA leaders had earlier sought Imran Khan’s intervention in the issue but their meeting with him on Nov 20 failed to achieve the desired results following which the young doctors decided to organise protests against the SKMCH administration.
