Female doctors at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) have expressed serious concerns over their safety following the reappointment of a senior doctor accused of harassment. The incident has sparked protests and condemnation from the Young Doctors Association (YDA).
A press conference was held by YDA leaders along with the affected female doctors at the Urology Department of JPMC, where the harassment incident originally took place. The association strongly opposed the reinstatement of Dr Shehzad Ali, who had previously served as Head of Department (HOD).
The YDA said that inquiry reports by JPMC, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), and the Health Department had found Dr Shehzad guilty of misconduct. Despite the case still being under judicial review, the JPMC Director issued orders for his reinstatement, placing him back in the same department as the complainant.
A YDA representative said “having the accused work in the same department as the victims, creates a serious sense of insecurity among female doctors. If the decision is not reversed, we will be forced to boycott duties.” The association has demanded immediate withdrawal of the appointment orders.
