DLP Report
PESHAWAR
A delegation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Doctors Council (KPDC) met with Health Advisor Ihtesham Ali to express serious concerns over professional tax rates, salary disparities, and other issues affecting medical professionals in the province.
The delegation included KPDC President Dr. Abdul Majid, General Secretary Dr. Fazal Manan, Spokesperson Dr. Daniyal Ahmed, and other senior cabinet members. Special Secretary Health Habibullah also attended the meeting.
The KPDC criticized the imposition of heavy professional taxes on doctors in KP, terming the disparity with other provinces, particularly Punjab, as unjust. Health Advisor Ihtesham Ali acknowledged the concerns and assured the delegation that a letter would be immediately sent to the Finance Department and the Excise and Taxation Department to address the issue, promising to personally follow up.
The doctors also raised multiple other concerns, including a 50pc salary increase for House Officers and Trainee Medical Officers, Healthcare Commission fees, delays in job advertisements and recruitment, promotions through the Provincial Selection Board (PSB) and raised the issues pertaining t alleged irregularities and audit issues in Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs).
According to the KPDC spokesperson, the Health Advisor assured the council that all issues raised would be addressed.
However, the KPDC has given the government a two-week deadline to resolve the matters. Failing that, the council warned of launching a province-wide protest movement. For now, general body meetings and awareness efforts will continue across hospitals, while elective services will not be boycotted. The future course of action will be decided through mutual consultation if the demands remain unmet.
