PMA calls for DNA test in Dr Shazia case

The Central Executive Council of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has demanded of the government to get DNA test report, from abroad, of suspects in Dr Shazia rape case, in order to ensure transparency in the inquiry process. This was decided by the Council in its meeting held at PMA House on Sunday afternoon.
Briefing reporters on outcome of the meeting, PMA Central President Dr Umer Ayub, General Secretary Dr Sher Shah, President Lahore Chapter Dr Imtiaz Rasool, General Secretary Dr Azeemuddin, and other office-bearers said that the participants of the meeting were not satisfied with the pace of the inquiry proceedings of Dr Shazia case, and urged the government to speed up the process. If the government failed to make positive progress by February 24, they would observe 'black day' on February 24, 2005, as a mark of protest, they warned.
They also protested against the government and bureaucracy for not filling hundreds of vacant posts in various hospitals and health institutions in Punjab. They deplored that doctors did not have regular service structure despite the commitment made by Punjab Chief Minister.
The PMA office-bearers held bureaucracy responsible for delay in meeting their demands. They demanded that all vacant posts of doctors in Punjab should be filled through Punjab Public Service Commission on regular basis and the practice of recruitment on contract basis must be stopped.
They also called for complete autonomy of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and condemned the government authorities' unnecessary interference in its affairs.
They said that the central council through a resolution passed in the meeting also condemned the remarks of Chairman Board of Governors of University of Health Sciences (UHS) against doctors and demanded his removal from the office, besides cancellation of his PMDC membership.
The resolution also flayed recent increase in examination fee of College of Physicians and Surgeons and called for its immediate withdrawal.
The PMA office-bearers also urged the government to raise the salaries of doctors at least by 15 percent.
They further told reporters that it had been decided in the meeting that PMA would supplement government efforts for rehabilitation of people affected by recent floods and rains in the country. They added that Dr Yasmin Rashid would be co-ordinator of relief activities and she would contact government authorities and constitute a team of PMA for launching relief operations in the flood-hit areas.