TransAction Alliance Rejects LRH Action Against Doctors In Death

Of Alisha

(@FahadShabbir)

TransAction Alliance rejects LRH action against doctors in death 
of Alisha

PESHAWAR,(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Augst,2016) : The TransAction Alliance and Civil Society Representatives on Monday rejected firing of some doctors while protecting the persons allegedly responsible for the death of Alisha (a transgender) by the Lady Reading Hospital (PRH) administration.

The Transaction Alliance, in a press statement here, alleged that the inquiry report of the committee constituted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governemnt, comprising only LRH and government representatives, was biased and contrary to the facts.

"Not a single member/representative of the transgender community or family/guardians of the deceased was inducted in the committee or was a part of it in any way whatsoever to represent the deceased," the statement added.

No intimation, it added, was given to the family/guardians of the deceased or members/representatives of the transgender community regarding the constitution of the committee and its proceedings.

It further alleged that no statement of the attendants/ friends, who were with the deceased during her predicament in LRH or after the death, was recorded. It said the transgender community was consulted on the terms of reference (ToRs) of the committee.

"The current report only reflects administrative flaws by the hospital while it does not include the transphobic behaviour of the staff which is our Primary concern." It alleged that the committee fired irrelevant doctors instead of fixing responsibility and penalizing the culprits.

For example Dr Liaquat was the only LRH doctor, who helped the transgender community and supported them, was fired even his name was not included in the inquiry committee, it claimed. Those, whose negligence cause death of Alisha, were LRH Chairman, Director Medical, Director Hospital and Prof Dr Shahabudden but because of their positions and political affiliations, no action was been taken against them, it alleged.

"We reject these 'eye wash' actions by the LRH administration and demand for the resignation of Nowsherain Barki, LRH Chairman, and the termination of Director Medial, Director Hospital and Prof Shahabudden." Farzana, President of the TransAction Alliance, said, "The actions taken by LRH are unacceptable.

We reject the terms of reference of the inquiry committee, because the same do not cover the transphobia faced by the patient and the attendants." Dr Liaqat, who treated them well, was fired without reason even his name was not included in the report while no action was taken against those against whom legal action was recommended, she added.

Qamar Naseem, member of the Advisory Consul of the TransAction Alliance, demanded medical and administrative audit of the Lady Reading Hospital. The administration, he alleged, was running the hospital like a private property.

"It is a government entity and public property, where every one should be treated with respect, without any discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression." Taimur Kamal of Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network said,"The civil society stands with the transgender community and will play its role for equal access to quality healthcare for transgenders.

The transphobia and violence against transgenders in access to services is unacceptable in the healthcare system." The TransAction Alliance will hold a peaceful vigil in front of Lady Reading Hospital on August 4.