Islamabad Hospital Staff Boycott Polio Drive Amid Health Allowance Protest
Healthcare Workers Demand Action and Accountability Hospital employees across Islamabad’s public sector institutions have declared a boycott of the upcoming polio vaccination campaign and announced the closure of outpatient departments (OPDs) starting Monday. The protest, led by the Federal Health Alliance (FHA), is aimed at pressuring the government to reinstate a long-withheld health allowance and demanding the resignation of the Health Minister.
Unified Front Across Major Institutions The FHA includes representatives from key health facilities such as Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic, NIH, TB Hospital, and the District Health Office. In an emergency meeting, the alliance pledged solidarity and vowed to protect any staff member facing retaliation during the protest.
Core Grievances Behind the Boycott Employees have expressed deep frustration over the government’s failure to recognize their frontline contributions during national health crises. Despite repeated appeals, the Finance Ministry has rejected requests for increased compensation, fueling anger among medical staff. Their demands include:
- Immediate restoration of the health allowance
- Resignation of the Health Minister for neglecting workers’ rights
Impact on Healthcare Services The protest will significantly disrupt public healthcare operations in Islamabad. Key services affected include:
- Complete shutdown of OPDs and dispensaries
- Suspension of all vaccination efforts, including polio immunization
- Halted administrative processes such as record issuance from the DHO Office
A Growing Public Health Crisis With essential services suspended, the boycott poses serious risks to public health, especially in the context of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio. The standoff between healthcare workers and the government highlights systemic challenges in the country’s health policy and labor relations.
Looking Ahead: Resolution or Escalation? As tensions rise, the need for constructive dialogue becomes urgent. Without swift government intervention, Islamabad’s healthcare system may face prolonged disruption, affecting thousands of patients and undermining critical public health campaigns.