Staff Reporter
Peshawar, July 15, 2026: The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has accused the provincial Health Department of widespread corruption and warned of launching a “Save Health Movement” if action is not taken against those responsible.
Speaking at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, YDA Chairman Dr. Asfandyar Bettani said the association had already submitted evidence of alleged corruption to the Chief Minister, Health Minister, and Health Secretary, but claimed that no meaningful action had been taken despite the passage of 40 days.
Dr. Bettani alleged that instead of pursuing accountability, the Health Minister had halted proceedings against those accused of corruption.
He urged the Chief Minister to fulfill his commitment by publicly identifying officials involved in alleged malpractice within the provincial health department.
He warned that if no action is taken, the association will hold a convention at the Peshawar Press Club and Nishtar Hall to present documentary evidence of the alleged corruption and formally launch its protest campaign.
The YDA chairman also referred to previous allegations of financial irregularities at Hayatabad Medical Complex, claiming that although an inquiry committee was formed after the issue was raised, its findings have yet to be made public.
He further alleged irregularities in the recruitment of medical officers on fixed-pay positions and criticized the government for failing to implement promised salary increases for doctors.
According to Dr. Bettani, the provincial government had pledged a 40 percent pay raise, but no increase was included in the latest budget.
The association also expressed concern over staffing shortages, stating that more than 6,000 doctor positions remain vacant across the province. It demanded that all medical appointments be made through the Public Service Commission to ensure transparency and prevent corruption.
Commenting on the Medical Teaching Institutions (MTI) system and the Sehat Card programme, Dr. Bettani alleged that corruption was widespread in MTI hospitals and claimed that no independent third-party audits had been conducted.
He also criticized what he described as politically motivated appointments in senior hospital management.
The YDA called on the provincial government to remove officials found involved in corruption, make inquiry reports public, recruit doctors through a transparent process, and increase doctors’ salaries to address growing concerns within the healthcare sector.
