Bannu Doctors Protest Over MTI Service Rights, Warn of Hospital Closure
BANNU: Doctors and clinical staff working at three hospitals under the Medical Teaching Institutions (MTI) in Bannu have demanded protection of their service rights, warning that failure to resolve their concerns could disrupt healthcare services and potentially lead to the closure of all three hospitals.
Speaking at a press conference, doctors and paramedics expressed serious concerns over a notification issued on August 10, 2026, directing Medical Officers from Grade 17 to 20, Senior Medical Officers, Principal Medical Officers and Chief Medical Officers to return to the Health Department.
According to the protesting doctors, the notification has created uncertainty regarding employees’ future, service status and the continuity of healthcare facilities in Bannu.
The doctors demanded clarity over the legal status of approved posts, organisational structures, budgets and the service status of employees at the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital and Women and Children Teaching Hospital.
They stressed that before any affected doctors are relieved of their duties, their legitimate service rights must be protected. These include seniority, salaries and allowances, promotions, career progression and other employment benefits.
The protesters warned that the issue could have a direct impact on healthcare services in Bannu. They said the sudden shortage of experienced doctors and trained clinical staff could disrupt emergency services, outpatient departments, wards and other essential medical facilities.
The doctors urged the Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Secretary Health, relevant authorities and the Board of Governors of MTI Bannu to immediately review the notification and address their concerns.
They also called for a detailed review of all relevant government notifications, approved posts, organisational structures and budget records. They said a clear legal decision was necessary to determine the service status of affected employees and eliminate administrative uncertainty.
The doctors clarified that their protest was not against any particular institution or authority. Instead, they said their demands were focused on ensuring legal clarity, transparency, protection of employees’ legitimate rights and uninterrupted healthcare services for the public.
They appealed to the provincial government and Chairman Board of Governors MTI Bannu, Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood, to develop a clear and uniform policy for MTI Bannu, DHQ Teaching Hospital and Women and Children Teaching Hospital.
According to the protesters, a uniform policy would help resolve administrative ambiguities and provide clarity to employees while ensuring that patients continue to receive essential medical care without disruption.
The doctors warned that failure to resolve the issue could result in further action, including legal proceedings and measures that may affect hospital operations.
