MTI status for Saidu Teaching Hospital opposed

MINGORA: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Swat chapter has strongly opposed the government’s decision to grant Medical Teaching Institution (MTI) status to Saidu Teaching Hospital, terming it an anti-people move.

Speaking at a press conference here, the PPP leaders announced a protest campaign and legal action against the decision.PPP Swat president Saleem Khan and others criticized the provincial government’s policies in the health and education sectors, calling them a complete failure.

The party leaders warned that turning Saidu Hospital into an MTI is a deliberate attempt to deprive the people of Swat of basic healthcare. They cited the example of Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, where the contract-based system under MTI has allegedly caused severe difficulties for the public.

“The Pakistan People’s Party will resist this decision at every level. We will not allow anyone to bargain over public rights or impose any external agenda,” said Saleem Khan.The PPP Lawyers Forum has also decided to file a writ petition in the Peshawar High Court. The party has cautioned the government that if the decision is not withdrawn, they will expand the protest movement both legally and publicly.