Six specialists found absent at THQ hospital.

GUJRAT -- As many as six specialist doctors were found absent from duty on Saturday at Kharian Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ) while the manual [register] and biometric system showed them 'present'.

It was learnt that district health officer Dr Zakir Ali Rana paid a surprise visit to the THQ and checked the [attendance] register and biometric attendance of the staff.

However, when he went to the offices of the medics, he found at least six specialist doctors absent.

According to a written report submitted by DHO to chief executive officer (CEO) (health), Dr Muhammad Anwar Naveed, ENT specialist, Dr Arshia Aslam gynaecologist, Dr Qudsia Bano, gynaecologist, Dr Sohail Shahzad, consultant paediatrician, Dr Taqi Shah, consultant radiologist, and Dr Muhammad Azeem, consultant TB/chest specialist, were absent from the duty. Gujrat CEO health Dr Zahid Tanveer told Dawn that he had reported the matter to the deputy commissioner and the Punjab primary and secondary healthcare secretary and an inquiry would now be conducted. He said the DC, also the head of district health authority (DHA), would form an inquiry committee.

Meanwhile, the doctors later lodged a strong protest against the surprise raid by the DHO and observed a partial strike after the matter was reported to the higher authorities.

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