By: Muhammad Salim
PESHAWAR: The Young Doctors Association (YDA) has held the provincial government responsible for the killing of Dr. Mehwish in Kohat, citing failed health policies and lack of basic facilities in public hospitals across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday, YDA Provincial President Dr. Asfandyar Bettani, accompanied by the YDA cabinet and other doctors, stated that inadequate healthcare infrastructure and the absence of security for medical professionals have created a dangerous working environment.
He said that successive provincial administrations, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, have spent the past 12 years formulating policies without ensuring practical implementation. According to him, hospitals in many districts lack essential medical equipment, beds, and emergency facilities, leaving patients without timely care and placing immense pressure on doctors.
Referring to the Kohat incident, Dr. Bettani explained that due to a shortage of facilities, Dr. Mehwish had requested attendants to remain patient as treatment was delayed for nearly three hours. He alleged that later, while she was returning home, the same individuals shot and killed her.
He further criticized the situation at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), stating that despite a shortage of beds, the Bolan Block remains underutilized. He accused the Chief Minister of limiting actions to visits and photo sessions rather than addressing structural deficiencies. Even when inquiries are initiated, he claimed, their findings are not made public.
Dr. Asfandyar Bettani emphasized that doctors across the province feel insecure and unprotected. Although the Doctors’ Protection Act has been passed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, he said it has not been effectively implemented or enforced.
Dr. Asad Yar, speaking on the occasion, alleged that the provincial leadership has failed to take action against influential individuals. He further alleged that the Chief Minister publicly encourages people to record videos against doctors.
The YDA leadership demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Dr. Mehwish’s killing and called for exemplary punishment to prevent future incidents. They warned that if their demands are not met, protest sit-ins will be staged at the Chief Minister’s House and outside Adiala Jail.
Concluding the press conference, YDA representatives urged the government to provide basic facilities in all public hospitals across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to move beyond closed-door policymaking to ensure doctors’ protection and the delivery of quality healthcare services to the public.
