The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has strongly condemned the Punjab government’s decision to exclude Gynecology and Obstetrics services from the Sehat Card scheme, calling it cruel, irresponsible, and unjust.
The condemnation came during an emergency meeting of PMA Lahore, chaired by President Prof Dr Shahid Malik, and attended by senior doctors including Prof Dr Ashraf Nizami, Dr Irm Shehzadi, Dr Wajid Ali, Dr Bushra Haq, Dr Ahmed Naeem Akhtar, and Dr Maryam Fatima.
PMA office bearers termed the decision a grave injustice to poor women and a violation of the fundamental right to healthcare.
They warned that excluding maternity services would deprive millions of underprivileged women of essential care during pregnancy, childbirth, and treatment of gynecological diseases.
The association stressed that most poor women cannot afford private healthcare, and denial of maternity services could lead to a sharp rise in maternal and child mortality across Punjab.
Calling the move contradictory to the spirit of the program, PMA said that without prioritizing women’s health, the slogan “Health for All” loses its meaning.
The association urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to immediately withdraw the decision and restore maternity services under the Sehat Card scheme.
