(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By Muhammad Mansoor Mumtaz Lahore)
Dr. Wajid Ali, General Secretary of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore, has expressed satisfaction over the successful strike by private healthcare institutions in two divisions of Punjab. Dr. Wajid Ali appreciated the complete unity and solidarity of the management and staff of private hospitals, clinics, and other medical centers, stating that this strike has proved to be an important and successful step against the enforcement of POS by FBR. PMA has always been the flag-bearer of the legitimate rights of all health professionals. He especially congratulated Dr. Maqsood Zahid, President-Elect PMA Punjab, and his colleagues on the success of the strike.
Dr. Wajid Ali strongly condemned the government’s decision to install body cameras on healthcare professionals. He said that this step is not only an attack on the dignity and autonomy of medical staff but also poses a serious threat to patients’ privacy—especially to female patients being treated in female wards and gynecology departments, where sensitive confidentiality is essential. Trust and confidentiality between a patient and a doctor are the basic pillars of treatment. Such surveillance will damage this sacred relationship, and women patients may avoid seeking treatment, which can lead to extremely serious medical consequences.
Dr. Wajid Ali demanded that the government immediately review this unwise decision. He emphasized that this method of surveillance is unacceptable. “We support every possible step for patient safety, but not those steps that violate a basic human right—privacy—and make the entire treatment process doubtful.”
In his statement, Dr. Wajid Ali stressed that PMA will continue its struggle at every level for the protection of the rights of healthcare workers in both the private and public sectors, for the privacy of patients, and for safeguarding the honor and dignity associated with the medical profession.
