Dr Nigat Shah clarifies JPMC contract extension

Professor Dr Nigat Shah, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), has clarified that her contract-based employment extension will not affect the posting or promotion of any associate professor.

Speaking to the media, Dr Shah said several gynaecology units at JPMC had remained closed since 2013. She said one of the closed units was revived in 2022 to expand medical services and provide treatment to patients.

She added that the department is continuing patient care alongside postgraduate training and research. According to Dr Shah, the hospital needs more specialised doctors, and she has no objection to the appointment of any qualified medical professional.

Dr Shah stressed that her objective was not to create obstacles for another doctor’s appointment or career progression. She said her contract extension should not be viewed as an attempt to block the posting or promotion of any associate professor.

The clarification comes after senior associate professors at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) reportedly raised concerns over Dr Shah’s reappointment. Several affected professors wrote to the Sindh chief minister, Sindh health minister and the federal ombudsman, expressing reservations about the decision.

In their letter, the professors claimed that the second paragraph of a Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) notification issued on May 19 had been overlooked. They further maintained that the reappointment could affect the promotions of six associate professors who are awaiting advancement to higher positions.

The professors have sought the authorities’ attention to the matter and called for the relevant rules and regulations to be considered while deciding appointments and promotions.