KARACHI: The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) Karachi has expressed deep concern over what it described as increasing incidents of harassment, undue pressure, and illegal actions against doctors and healthcare institutions in the city.
In a statement issued on Friday, PIMA Karachi President Dr. Syed Ahmer Hamid said that no police officer has the authority to directly arrest doctors or paramedical staff in professional medical matters unless the prescribed legal procedure is followed. He emphasized that complaints and allegations against doctors or hospitals should be referred to the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC), the legally authorized body responsible for handling such matters.
Dr. Hamid said the SHCC has an established legal framework to protect patients’ rights, ensure transparent investigations, and safeguard healthcare professionals from unnecessary pressure and harassment. He noted that the commission has previously taken notice of inappropriate actions by law enforcement agencies against doctors and paramedical staff.
He stated that if any individual or group registers an FIR against a doctor or paramedical staff member or takes action outside the legal framework, the matter should be reported to the SHCC for appropriate legal proceedings.
PIMA Karachi also expressed concern over the activities of certain organized groups allegedly involved in blackmail and extortion targeting doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare stakeholders. According to the association, such actions create fear among medical professionals and negatively affect healthcare services for the public.
Referring to a recent incident at a private psychiatric hospital in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, PIMA claimed that an organized group harassed doctors, paramedical staff, and hospital administration personnel and allegedly secured the arrest of healthcare workers through the registration of an FIR. The association further alleged that the hospital owners were subsequently subjected to blackmail and demands for money.
Dr. Hamid stressed that every case involving allegations against healthcare professionals should be decided on the basis of complete evidence, medical records, and legal documentation. He said that where claims of violence or physical injury are made, all possible factors, including accidents, falls, and available medical records, should be thoroughly examined to ensure justice.
PIMA expressed full solidarity with the affected doctors and medical staff and assured them of moral, professional, and legal support. The association said it was committed to working with civil society and other stakeholders to address the issue and find an effective solution.
The association called upon the Government of Sindh, law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to protect doctors and medical institutions from unlawful harassment while ensuring transparency, justice, and due legal process in all cases involving allegations of medical negligence.
