Paramedics resume protests as talks fail

PESHAWAR: The Paramedical Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced the recommencement of protests after failure of negotiations with Chief Minister’s Advisor on Health Dr Riaz Anwar.

During a monthly meeting supervised by Provincial President Sharafatullah Yusufzai, several concerns were addressed and unanimous decisions were made to resume the protests.

Primary grievances include dissatisfaction with the slow progress in the promotion process, specifically urging the swift execution of pending Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) for Scale 12. The association called for the immediate issuance of promotion and posting orders for completed DPCs.

Strong condemnation was expressed regarding recent Health Care Commission (HCC) raids on qualified paramedics’ First Aid Centers, coupled with defamation on social media platforms. The association emphasised the urgent need to cease such actions.

Advocating the termination of Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs), the association urged appointments on upgraded positions for promoted paramedics or the allocation of shadow positions. Personnel upgradation in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Ex-FATA) was also highlighted.

Strong opposition was voiced against the formation of societies, including the Society of Anesthesia, to prevent paramedics’ grouping. The association called for legal and disciplinary action against those undermining unity.

Other demands encompassed the immediate release of remaining dues related to the Sindh floods and the prompt payment of salaries to all employees of MTI hospitals, including project staff. Approval was granted for elections in districts where paramedic elections have been completed.

President Sharafatullah Yusufzai reiterated the association’s unwavering commitment to championing the rights and protection of the paramedic fraternity on every forum and platform. The resumption of protests underscores the urgency and gravity of the issues at hand, urging the government’s prompt attention and resolution.