LAHORE: The Pakistan Orthopaedic Association (POA) has issued a strong statement condemning the removal of Prof. Faisal Masood from his position as the Medical Superintendent of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, and the public humiliation he faced at the hands of the Chief Minister of Punjab. The association described this action as an "unwarranted and deeply unjust move" against a distinguished orthopedic surgeon, academician, and healthcare leader.
Prof. Faisal Masood, who heads the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at King Edward Medical University (KEMU), has earned widespread recognition for his contributions to medical education and patient care. His removal not only undermines the dedication of medical professionals but also raises concerns about the growing interference of political leadership in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.
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According to POA officials, Prof. Masood had expressed his willingness to step down from additional administrative duties to focus on his primary responsibility—providing medical education and patient care. However, rather than a respectful transition, he was publicly reprimanded, an action that POA deems demeaning and unacceptable.
Doctors, Educators Deserve Respect, Not Humiliation
The politicization of healthcare leadership has become an alarming trend, where seasoned professionals are sidelined instead of being supported. The medical community, students, and faculty members at King Edward Medical University have expressed outrage over the mishandling of the situation, calling it a blow to the dignity of healthcare professionals.
POA officials argue that such actions demoralize doctors and educators, who serve as the backbone of the country’s health and education sectors. They stress that instead of public shaming, the government should focus on addressing core healthcare challenges, including budget constraints, infrastructure deficiencies, and medical workforce shortages.
A Political Smokescreen to Distract from Bigger Issues?
Many in the medical fraternity view this incident as a calculated distraction from Pakistan’s worsening healthcare crisis. Experts point to the severe underfunding of hospitals, overburdened doctors, and lack of essential resources that directly impact patient care. By targeting respected professionals like Prof. Faisal Masood, the government risks further alienating the medical community at a time when healthcare reforms should be a priority.
POA Demands Immediate Reinstatement and Apology
The Pakistan Orthopaedic Association has demanded an immediate reversal of the decision and a formal apology from the authorities. POA emphasizes that dedicated professionals like Prof. Faisal Masood should be recognized for their contributions rather than subjected to political victimization.
Healthcare professionals across Pakistan stand in solidarity with Prof. Masood, calling on the government to uphold the dignity of doctors and educators rather than undermining their morale through unjustified removals and public humiliation.