For seven decades, the paramedical staff in Gilgit Baltistan has remained the unacknowledged foundation of the region's health system. Despite their unwavering dedication and pivotal role in providing essential healthcare services, these individuals have been persistently overlooked and undervalued by the governing authorities. Their plight reflects an enduring tale of neglect and disparity within the healthcare framework.
While other sectors within the health department have witnessed progress and development, the paramedical staff have remained stagnant in their positions for an astonishing period of 35 to 40 years. This prolonged stagnancy not only dampens their professional growth but also reflects an acute injustice within the system.
The disheartening truth emerges starkly when comparing the trajectory of the paramedical staff to that of doctors—the primary pillar of the healthcare sector. Doctors ascend swiftly on the ladder of progress, a beacon of hope in a promising professional landscape. However, this sharp contrast only accentuates the systematic injustice faced by the paramedical staff.
In the remote regions of Gilgit Baltistan, it is the paramedical staff who stand as the lifeline, ensuring the provision of comprehensive healthcare facilities. Despite their invaluable contribution, the government has turned a blind eye to their efforts. Astonishingly, the rural populace, grateful for their services, reverently confers upon them the title of "Doctor Sahib." Yet, the authorities fail to acknowledge their pivotal role in catering to the health needs of these underserved areas.
Frustrated by persistent neglect and systemic injustice, the paramedical staff from all ten districts of Gilgit-Baltistan have taken a decisive step. In a united front, they have declared a formal protest commencing from today November 21, 2023. Their grievances primarily revolve around the longstanding delay in implementing the Revised Service Structure initiated in 2018 and the failure to enact the Risk Allowance, despite its approval by the assembly in 2022.
It is incumbent upon the government to recognize and rectify these long-standing grievances. The perseverance and commitment of the paramedical staff in serving the healthcare needs of Gilgit Baltistan deserve acknowledgment and fair treatment. Their voices should echo loudly until justice prevails and equitable reforms are set in motion within the healthcare sector.
