Haroon Siraj
Swat
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Swat has firmly rejected the government’s decision to convert Saidu Teaching Hospital into a Medical Teaching Institution (MTI), calling it an “anti-public” move that threatens access to affordable healthcare in the region. The announcement has sparked public concern, prompting the PPP to launch a protest campaign and announce legal action.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday at Swat Press club,PPP Swat President Salim Khan, joined by Malakand Division President Malik Akram Khan and senior party members, strongly criticized the PTI-led provincial government for its health sector policies. He warned that the MTI status would limit the availability of free and essential medical services for the people of Swat.
“This is not just a policy shift, it’s an attack on the basic rights of the people,” Salim Khan said.
He added that PPP would oppose the decision on both legal and public platforms.
The PPP leadership also highlighted the negative impact of the contractor system introduced at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, calling it a failed experiment now being repeated in Swat. “We will not allow the same mistake to be repeated here,” they declared.
The party stated that the People’s Lawyers Forum would soon file a writ petition in the Peshawar High Court. They also warned of expanding their protests if the decision is not withdrawn. “We will not let public interests be compromised under the name of reforms,” Salim Khan said.
Saidu Teaching Hospital, a 500-bed facility affiliated with Saidu Medical College, provides key healthcare services including emergency care, ICU, CCU, and neonatal units to residents of Swat and nearby areas. It is accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
