LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is facing severe backlash from Pakistan’s medical community over her disrespectful and biased treatment of the Medical Superintendent (MS) of Mayo Hospital during a recent visit. Both the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Centre and the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Pakistan & Sindh have strongly condemned the CM’s actions, calling them an attempt to cover up her government's healthcare mismanagement while unjustly targeting a senior doctor.
The controversy erupted when the CM publicly reprimanded and ordered the removal of the Mayo Hospital MS, a move that medical bodies have termed unprofessional and unacceptable.
PMA Demands Respect for Medical Professionals
In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Secretary General of PMA Centre, denounced the CM’s conduct as highly inappropriate, stating that an elected representative should not mistreat a government official in such a manner. He further emphasized that the CM has no authority to remove an MS, as such decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the health department. Dr. Shoro asserted:
“The PMA strongly condemns this disrespectful behavior and demands that the rights and dignity of doctors be upheld. We will take all necessary steps to protect the honor and respect of healthcare professionals across the country.”
YDA Exposes Mayo Hospital’s Financial Crisis, Calls CM’s Actions ‘Political Posturing’
Backing the PMA’s stance, Dr. Mehboob Ali Noonari, Chairman of YDA Sindh, pointed out the dire financial crisis at Mayo Hospital, which he claimed the Punjab government has been ignoring for months. He revealed that:
Unpaid Dues & Budget Deficit: The hospital has been struggling with unpaid medicine, sanitation, and security bills for the past three months. Despite outstanding dues of Rs. 3 billion, the government has only released a small fraction of the funds, leaving Mayo Hospital with debts exceeding Rs. 2 billion.
MS Had Already Requested Removal: Contrary to the CM’s claims, the MS had already submitted a request to step down a month ago, making his abrupt dismissal appear as nothing more than political theatrics.
Medical Community Demands CM’s Apology, Urgent Healthcare Reforms
The YDA and PMA have both demanded that CM Maryam Nawaz issue a public apology and shift her focus toward genuine healthcare reforms rather than scapegoating medical professionals.
They further urged the Punjab government to allocate hospital budgets toward improving healthcare facilities rather than diverting funds for political expenses.
The medical community has vowed to stand united against any unjust actions targeting healthcare professionals and warned of further protests if their concerns remain unaddressed.