YDA-GB PHQ Hospital Incident: Doctors Demand Respect & Reform
YDA-GB Condemns PHQ Hospital Incident, Seeks Doctor Reinstatement
Gilgit: The Young Doctors Association Gilgit-Baltistan (YDA-GB) has expressed serious concern over the alleged inappropriate treatment of doctors during Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate’s recent visit to PHQ Teaching Hospital Gilgit, calling for the protection of doctors’ professional dignity and immediate action to address longstanding healthcare challenges.
In a press statement, YDA-GB said the incident had triggered resentment within the medical community. The association maintained that hospital inspections and accountability measures should be conducted through appropriate administrative channels while respecting the dignity of healthcare professionals.
The statement emphasised that doctors across Gilgit-Baltistan continue to provide medical services despite limited resources, inadequate equipment, staff shortages and challenging working conditions. According to the association, public criticism or humiliation of medical professionals is not an effective way to improve healthcare delivery.
YDA-GB Raises Concerns Over Hospital Management
The association said PHQ Teaching Hospital Gilgit’s departments, including the gynaecology department, were providing services under considerable pressure. It highlighted the daily workload involving patient consultations, admissions, surgeries and emergency care.
YDA-GB also questioned the availability of administrative and medical data during surprise inspections, arguing that hospital records and duty rosters cannot necessarily be displayed simultaneously. It suggested that concerns regarding staff attendance and administrative performance should be addressed by seeking explanations from the relevant officials, including the Medical Superintendent (MS) and Deputy Medical Superintendent (DMS).
The association further raised concerns about malfunctioning medical equipment, inadequate digital infrastructure and the absence of essential technical facilities. It said the responsibility for providing modern equipment, computerized records and improved hospital management systems rests with the government and the health department.
Association Calls for Immediate Reinstatement of Doctors
YDA-GB urged the Gilgit-Baltistan government to take the following steps:
- Immediately reinstate the doctors it says were dismissed following the incident, while ensuring their dignity and professional rights.
- Protect the professional integrity and self-respect of doctors across the region.
- Address shortages of medical equipment, healthcare staff and essential facilities in public hospitals.
- Ensure transparent, respectful and procedure-based accountability and reforms in healthcare institutions.
The association stated that public criticism of government hospitals in disrespectful terms could undermine public confidence in healthcare institutions. It stressed that sustainable improvements require practical reforms, adequate resources and constructive engagement with medical professionals.
YDA-GB to Announce Future Course of Action
YDA-GB reiterated its support for healthcare reforms, institutional transparency and accountability, but said these efforts must be carried out in accordance with professional standards and mutual respect.
The association said it would announce its future course of action following a meeting of its central council.
The statement was issued by the spokesperson of the Young Doctors Association Gilgit-Baltistan.
