YDA demonstrates unity at national convention held at Jinnah Hospital

KARACHI: In a massive show of unity and solidarity, the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Sindh recently held a dynamic convention at Karachi's Jinnah Hospital that was attended by young medical professionals and their mentors in the field from all over the country.

The convention was attended by prominent YDA leaders, including Dr. Aatif Majid Chaudhry, President of YDA Pakistan; Dr. Salman Haseeb, Patron-in-Chief of YDA Punjab; Dr. Mudassir Nawaz, Chairman of YDA Punjab; Dr. Shoaib Niazi, President of YDA Punjab; Dr. Asfandyar, President of YDA KPK; Dr. Abbas, YDA KPK; Dr. Dawood, and Dr. Hayat Sassoli from YDA Balochistan.

Other prominent health experts who attended the event included Dr. Khalid Gondal, President of CPSP; Prof Shahid Rasool, Executive Director of JPMC; Dr. Tariq Mahmood, President of the Patient Aid Foundation; Dr. Syed Khalid Bukhari, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Karachi; and Dr. Muhammad Khan Shar, General Secretary of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA).

Prof Shahid Rasool praised YDA Sindh for its proactive role in championing the rights of young doctors, while Dr. Tariq Mahmood offered his best wishes. Dr. Khalid Gondal addressed the concerns of young doctors, emphasizing the critical partnership between CPSP and the medical community.

YDA President Dr. Aatif Chaudhry led the oath-taking ceremony for the new central cabinet of YDA Sindh, reaffirming the association's dedication to its mission and advocacy efforts, urging young doctors to unite in their struggle for rights and to address systemic challenges through a countrywide movement.

Dr. Salman Haseeb spoke on systemic issues, such as the unequal distribution of resources and benefits, calling on young doctors to stand up for their rights.

Dr. Shoaib Niazi highlighted immediate concerns, including the lack of resources and support for doctors, while Dr. Asfandyar stressed the importance of unity and collective action from YDA KPK.

In a strong statement, Dr. Dawood and Dr. Hayat Sassoli from YDA Balochistan voiced their opposition to the privatization of the healthcare sector in Balochistan, warning of potential corruption. The attendees expressed solidarity with the demands of Balochistan doctors and condemned the provincial government’s anti-doctor policies.

The convention featured active participation from various YDA units, including YDA Civil Hospital Karachi, YDA Lyari, YDA Larkana, YDA LUMS, YDA Nawabshah, YDA Abbasi Shaheed, and YDA Sehwan.

At the convention, Dr. Omar Sultan was appointed Patron-in-Chief of YDA Pakistan, and Dr. Yaseen Omrani was named secretary general.

YDA Sindh Chairman Dr. Farukh Rauf addressed ongoing issues, and announced new Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs for young doctors.

YDA Sindh President Dr. Waris Ali discussed pressing concerns such as deputation challenges, unpaid salaries at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, hostel accommodations, and allowances for doctors.

The convention concluded with a renewed sense of determination and unity among young doctors.