By Kamran Khamiso Khowaja
Hyderabad, – The Executive Committee of the Teachers’ Association of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS) has expressed serious concern and condemnation over a malicious campaign targeting faculty members at Sir Cowasji Jehangir Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Hyderabad.
The campaign, allegedly executed through the misuse of the paramedics’ union, aims to defame and intimidate faculty members who have been advocating for the lawful autonomy of the institute. The Teachers’ Association emphasizes the historic and ongoing contributions of LUMHS faculty to psychiatric education and mental healthcare at the institute.
Since initiating postgraduate training in psychiatry in 2001, LUMHS has trained 71 qualified psychiatrists who now serve across Sindh and Pakistan, enhancing mental health services at the grassroots and tertiary levels. Esteemed senior psychiatrists, including Prof. Ibrahim Khalil and Prof. Hyder Ali G. Qazi, have dedicated decades of service to the institution.
The association asserts that the issue extends beyond institutional governance, impacting the future of mental healthcare in Sindh. The continued defiance of legal mandates and harassment of faculty members directly harm psychiatric patients, many of whom are marginalized and voiceless.
The Teachers’ Association stands united with the Department of Psychiatry in demanding justice, legal compliance, and advancement of mental healthcare. They urge the Chief Minister of Sindh, Health Minister of Sindh, and Chief Secretary Sindh to take the following actions:
– Take immediate action against the misuse of authority and baseless character attacks by the current Medical Superintendent.
– Provide institutional protection and respect for faculty members dedicated to public service and legal advocacy.
– Ensure full implementation of the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Act, 2019, as mandated by law and upheld by the Supreme Court.
By recognizing the service of educators and clinicians, protecting their dignity, and delivering quality psychiatric care based on professional autonomy, integrity, and lawful governance, the association believes the authorities can fulfill their responsibility to the people of Sindh.
