200 staff posts lying vacant in government hospitals By Our Staff Reporter KARACHI - The Executive Director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC)- Prof Dr Anees Bhatti has revealed that; over 200 support staff (paramedical staff) posts are lying vacant in healthcare and will be filled soon. He expressed these views while addressing the seminar held in connection with “National Paramedical Staff Day”, being celebrated first time in the history of Pakistan. The event was organized by Pakistan Paramedical Staff Association (PPMSA) JPMC Unit here. The aim of celebrating the national paramedical day was to highlight the importance of paramedics in health sector, improving the coordination among doctors, nurses & paramedics, beside discussing the problems being faced by staff like; lack of educational opportunities, denial of rights and allowances. Prof Anees Bhatti said; Over 200 support staff (paramedics) posts are lying vacant in healthcare out of the total 550 posts. These posts are lying vacant since the last few years, after the devolution of powers to the provinces and institutions. These seats will be filled soon. He said; health allowance and regularization of neurosurgery employees is under process and staff will get good news in this regard, soon. Vaccination of paramedics is absolutely necessary, to prevent them from contracting various infectious diseases during duties. Hepatitis B vaccine is available in the hospitals and staff should avail this opportunity. Prof Bhatti directed the paramedic instructors to design Continuing Medical Education (CME) awareness programs and workshops for medical staff. He said CME awareness workshops will not only enhance skills of medical staff but also help them to learn about advancement in paramedic’s field. He said refreshment courses have played a key role in improving the medical care and health delivery system. He stressed the need to re-establish and strengthen the College of Paramedical Technology situated in Jinnah Hospital. Teaching should resume and a principal must be appointed in this institution for beginning the Para-medical training courses. President of the Pakistan Paramedical Staff Association (PPMSA), JPMC Unit, Muhammad Ismail Jiskani said; Paramedics are the backbone of healthcare institutions and they should be given employment benefits at par with the doctors and nurses. He said; Paramedics should be given opportunities of good education, health & high-risk allowances and proper implementation of sons' quota for employees must be ensured. Residential colonies should be constructed for paramedics, on the pattern of doctor’s residential colonies. He demanded of the provincial government to immediately pass the Sindh Allied Health Professional's Council Bill 2014 and enforce the bill at the earliest, which has been pending since long.
