GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Anesthesia Doctors Association announced on Tuesday that it would suspend all elective surgeries across the region from February 23 (Sunday) to protest against the government’s failure to provide them with allowances approved by the cabinet two years ago.
The association demanded that the government must immediately issue orders for the implementation of the anesthesia allowance, warning that if their demands were not met, they would be forced to go on strike, which would severely impact healthcare services in the region.
The doctors also threatened to suspend emergency services if their demands were not met.
The anesthesia doctors have been experiencing severe anxiety and restlessness due to the delay in the payment of allowances, particularly among junior doctors who have recently joined the profession.
The association said the non-payment of allowances was affecting their professional performance and morale.
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They warned that if the government did not take immediate action, healthcare services in the region would be severely impacted, causing difficulties for patients.
In a statement to HUM News English, G-B Health Secretary Asifullah said the Finance Department was being excessively cautious and raising unwarranted objections to the proposal for anesthesia allowance, despite its approval by the cabinet two years ago.
“I have had multiple discussions with the finance department, but their concerns seem unnecessary, as they’re requesting initial details that were already discussed and settled before the cabinet approval,” he said
Asifullah further added that the finance department was asking for similar precedents and pay packages in neighbouring provinces, which essentially questions the cabinet’s prudence at this stage.
“Moreover, if some provinces aren’t facing an anesthetist shortage (which they do not), why should they offer allowances to attract more professionals, especially when private practice opportunities are available,” he added.