T HE Sindh government finds itself embroiled in a controversy involving the lady doctors of Karachi`s Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), which along with its allied hospitals and facilities is one of the country`s premier medical institutions.

However, its reputation and efficiency have been marred by prolonged disputes first between the federal and provincial governments, and now between regular doctors and professors, particularly the female ones, and the Sindh administration.

After a prolonged power struggle, the Supreme Court declared JPMC a teaching hospital for its own academic programmes and handed administrative control to the federal government.

However, a 2022 agreementbetween the federal and Sindh governments transferred administrative control back to the provincial government. The agreement stipulated that the terms and conditions of employment for JPMC`s doc-tors, professors, and staff who have tirelessly contributed to its success would remain unaffected.

While Sindh`s funding supports JPMC`s cutting-edge facilities, such as CyberKnife technology for cancer treatment and renowned departments like gastroenterology and radiology, the control has now been handed over to outsiders rather than recognising these contributions.

The crisis at JPMC has escalated due to the Sindh government`s mishandling of critical issues affecting doctors. Instead of addressing rightful promotions and grievances, deserving candidates are being sidelined. External hires are prioritised over long-serving, qualified doctors, creating a `state within a state` where administrative control is given to outsiders. For instance, a professor from Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), which is under the administrative control of the Sindh government, has been appointed as the executive director of JPMC on deputation, bypassing eligible candidates within the organisation.

The formation of an academic council comprising solely JSMU members has further exacerbated tensions. JSMU-affiliated staff members now occupy higher posts and accommodations, while long-serving JPMC employees are overlooked and denied their basic rights.

Senior Grade-20 doctors, particularly three female professors heading the neuro-surgery, gastroenterology and radiology departments, are facing discrimination and harassment. Their positions are being abolished to prevent them from being promoted to executive roles, such as the post of the executive director. Posts reserved for promotions of JPMC doctors are beingfilled by direct recruitment from JSMU, undermining the careers of these dedicated professionals.

The post of the executive director (previously held by late Dr Seemin Jamali) has traditionally been reserved for JPMC doctors. However, outsiders are now being appointed under the pretence of a lack of eligible candidates within JPMC. This narrative disregards the experience and seniority of JPMC`s staff and threatens theinstitution`s integrity.

The Supreme Court had clearly stated that Saudabad and Ibrahim Hyderi hospitals would serve as teaching hospitals for JSMU, while JPMC would remain independent. However, JPMC is now being wrongfully designated as a teaching hospital for JSMU, leading to career stagnation and legalbattlesforits staff.

While the Sindh government may wish to showcase JPMC as its flagship project, its actions recruiting outsiders on posts meant for promotion of JPMC doctors and sidelining them have only deepened the crisis. Contrary to misconceptions, JPMC doctors are not against the Sindh government; they are committed to providing quality healthcare and upholding the institution`s standards.

Although the Sindh government has been given administrative control of JPMC under an agreement with the federal government, the agreement explicitly bars the provincial authorities from changing the independent legal status of JPMC as declared by the apex court. However, efforts are underway to hand over JPMC to JSMU in direct violation of this ruling.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has historically championed workers` rights, yet it appears indifferent to the plight of JPMC doctors. Fair and merit-based decisions are urgently needed to address these concerns. Former prime minister BenazirBhutto was a mentor and a female icon admired by many. However, the current situation reflects extreme gender discrimination, with press conferences held by the executive director openly targeting female doctors, portraying them as incompetent and a threat to the system. Media teams have been deployed to malign the reputation of these highly qualified professionals.

The reality is that these female department heads are some of the most qualified, nationally and internationally acclaimed professors. Their work and the departments they lead serve as models for public sector hospitals. Instead of receiving appreciation, they are being vilified. The gender bias and harassment have crossed all limits, targeting these esteemed women while sparing their male counterparts in similar roles.

The Sindh government must address the grievances of JPMC staff, particularly its senior female doctors, who have been unfairly sidelined. Abolishing posts, stalling promotions, and mismanaging funds will only erode JPMC`s reputation as a premier medical institution. Transparent governance, respect for merit, and adherence to legal rulings are essential to restore JPMC`s integrity and maintain its high standards of patient care.

Dr Iram Bokhari is head of the neurosurgery department while Dr Nazish Butt is head of the gastroenterology department at JPMC.