PMA Punjab expresses concerns over PHC performance and POS system

Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Punjab Sunday expressed dissatisfaction with the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) working, reported 24NewsHd TV channel.  

Addressing a press conference, PMA officials criticized the PHC’s regulations, which they argue are based on models from other countries and do not align with local conditions, infrastructure, or resources.

This misalignment, they contend, has placed unnecessary pressure on doctors, leading to increased treatment costs without any corresponding improvement in quality.

Lt Col (retd) Dr. Ghulam Shabbir, President of PMA Punjab said the commission, established to improve healthcare standards in Punjab, has yet to deliver significant improvements.

He said that the PMA held a meeting at PMA House and took several decisions.  The meeting saw a large turnout of officials and members from across Punjab, who gathered to discuss critical issues affecting the medical community.

He said that the PMA Punjab executive committee decided to hold the association's elections on October 13, 2024.

Prof Dr. Syed Sahibzada Masood has been appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner, with the responsibility of appointing Deputy Election Commissioners.

Dr Ghulam Shabbir informed the media that the meeting also addressed concerns regarding the FBR's directive for POS system installation in medical facilities.

The PMA raised several objections including service provision without immediate payment, variable charges, operational challenges for small clinics and government responsibility for basic healthcare.

He said since over 70% of the population relies on private clinics due to inadequate public healthcare facilities, imposing additional financial burdens is deemed unfair.

He urged the authority to exempt medical profession from sales tax, as healthcare is a fundamental human right, and taxing it is considered unethical.

“Health services should be accessible and ideally free for everyone.”

PMA leaders were of the view that the confidentiality of patient information, including the nature of illness and treatment costs, is crucial. There are concerns that financial documentation could compromise this sensitive data, they added.

The PMA Punjab also warned that it is committed to conveying these outcomes to the government and vowed to take all necessary steps to protect its members' rights if their demands are not met.

The press conference was also attended Dr. Kamran Ahmed, General Secretary; Dr. Kamran Saeed, President-Elect; Prof, Ashraf Nizami, President of PMA Lahore; and other key leaders.