Doctors in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Threaten Province-Wide Shutdown Over Pay Dispute
The Young Doctors Association (YDA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a stern warning to the provincial government, threatening large-scale protests if doctors are not granted a substantial salary increase in the upcoming budget. As reported by Dawn, the YDA held a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, criticizing the government for failing to address the financial concerns of medical professionals despite repeated promises over the years.
YDA Demands Immediate Salary Revision
YDA leader Adnan, who also serves as president of the Hayatabad Medical Complex chapter, stated that doctors would initiate demonstrations across the province and could suspend routine hospital operations if their demands are ignored. He revealed that a proposal prepared by the provincial health secretary recommended a 40-50 percent increase in doctors' salaries. This recommendation came after negotiations and a sit-in by thousands of doctors outside the Health Secretariat earlier this month. However, Adnan expressed concern that the government might not incorporate this proposal into the new budget.
The association has urged Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the health minister, and finance officials to ensure immediate implementation of the salary package. Doctors argue that their wages have remained stagnant for nearly a decade, with no significant revision since 2016, despite rising inflation and increasing workloads.
Criticism of Government Neglect
Adnan criticized the provincial administration, stating that successive governments have routinely announced incentives and financial relief for other categories of public employees while neglecting healthcare workers. He maintained that doctors are seeking fair compensation rather than special privileges, as highlighted by Dawn. The YDA leader further stated that any future agitation would extend beyond hospital premises. Demonstrations could be organized on major roads and outside key government offices, including the Chief Minister's Secretariat, the Health Department, and the Finance Department.
YDA representative Babar reiterated that patient emergencies would not be disrupted, as reported by Dawn. The doctors' association remains firm in its demand for a salary revision, warning of escalating protests if the government fails to act.
