Khyber Teaching Hospital establishes separate women’s ultrasound facility

PESHAWAR: Responding to a series of complaints, Khyber Teaching Hospital has taken a significant step to address the issue of privacy and dignity for female patients during ultrasounds.

In an official statement, Secretary Health Mahmood Aslam announced the establishment of a dedicated room exclusively for women’s ultrasounds within the hospital premises.

This newly designated facility is intended to cater exclusively to female patients, and all personnel within the women’s ultrasound room will be male, as confirmed by Secretary Health Mahmood Aslam.

Secretary Health Mahmood Aslam emphasized the importance of ensuring women’s dignity and comfort in all healthcare settings, stating that such facilities will be guaranteed in all hospitals moving forward. This proactive measure aims to address the concerns raised by patients and ensure a more respectful and inclusive healthcare environment for all.

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This decision comes in light of numerous grievances lodged by patients who expressed discomfort with male healthcare staff conducting female ultrasounds.

In a formal request submitted to the SHO Town Police Station, “Marasta,” a representative organization encompassing Tehkal Palosai, Regi, Achini, Pawaka, and Sufaid Dheri within the jurisdiction of Town Police Station, voiced their disapproval of male doctors conducting ultrasounds and X-rays on women from these areas at Khyber Teaching Hospital.

The organization’s application reveals that despite numerous meetings with the hospital administration on this issue, no resolution has been reached, leading to growing discontent among the local populace. They have now appealed to the Town Police Station to swiftly intervene to prevent any potential law and order disruptions.

Upon learning of the ultrasound and X-ray issue concerning female patients, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Secretary Mahmood Aslam took immediate notice and instructed DG Health Dr. Shaukat to establish an inquiry committee within three days. The committee has been tasked with conducting an inquiry, reporting on the facts, and identifying any transgressors. The health secretary emphasized that strict action will be taken against anyone found compromising the dignity of women.

However, the administration of Khyber Teaching Hospital has refuted the claims of women undergoing ultrasounds supervised by male doctors. According to the hospital administration, residents from the nearby Palosai area visited the hospital along with community leaders and submitted their complaints to the hospital’s complaint cell, which is currently under investigation.