Health Desk:
QUETTA: The Grand Health Alliance (GHA) has announced a boycott of the upcoming anti-polio campaign in Balochistan, scheduled to begin on Monday, December 16. The announcement was made in a press release issued on Saturday night.
The GHA stated that the boycott is aimed at pressuring the provincial government, particularly the health department, to meet their demands. These include opposition to the alleged privatization of government hospitals through public-private partnerships, better perks and privileges for health professionals, and the rejection of contract-based recruitment of young doctors in favor of permanent jobs.
The boycott threatens to disrupt the critical polio eradication efforts in the province, which has struggled to control the virus due to challenges such as vaccine refusals and security issues.
Health authorities have yet to respond to the GHA’s demands or outline measures to ensure the campaign’s success despite the protest. The situation underscores the tension between healthcare workers and the provincial government over policies affecting public health services.
It is worth noting that Balochistan has reported the highest number of polio cases in Pakistan this year, making it a critical hotspot in the fight against the crippling virus.
The Grand Health Alliance’s boycott threatens to derail the province’s ongoing anti-polio campaign, further jeopardizing efforts to eradicate this devastating disease. With Balochistan already facing immense challenges, including vaccine refusals and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, such disruptions could have severe consequences, endangering the health and future of countless children.
The provincial government must urgently address the grievances of healthcare workers to prevent a public health disaster.
Further updates are expected as the campaign approaches.
