By Farzana Chaudhry, Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Central President Dr. Izhar Ahmed Chaudhry has termed the resignation of Dr. Ammar Haider Bhatta, Medical Superintendent of DHQ Hospital Jauharabad, an appropriate step after Punjab Health Secretary Nadia Saqib allegedly threatened to register an FIR against him.

Dr. Izhar Ahmed Chaudhry said Dr. Ammar Haider Bhatta considered it preferable to resign rather than compromise his self-respect and professional dignity.

He said the PMA was taking the incident very seriously, describing it as a failure of the Health Department to protect senior administrative doctors from what he termed bureaucratic pressure.

“The arrogant attitude of the Health Secretary is unbecoming of the bureaucracy,” Dr. Izhar Ahmed Chaudhry said, adding that Dr. Ammar Haider Bhatta’s resignation reflected his commitment to self-respect and professional dignity.

The PMA president called upon the Punjab Chief Minister to ensure that government officials receive appropriate training in professional conduct and etiquette.

He also urged the government to ensure that officials do not use their authority for personal publicity or other purposes unrelated to their official responsibilities.

The PMA said it would continue to monitor the matter and safeguard the professional interests and dignity of doctors serving in administrative positions.