LAHORE – Patients in several hospitals of Punjab are subjected to hardship as angry young doctors are not ready to call off their strike, which entered the fifth day on Saturday.
Young Doctors Association, a body of junior doctors, launched a protest on Tuesday (August 1) to press its demands regarding revoking Central Induction Policy and increasing salaries and allowances. The association has also demanded to expel health secretary, Najam Ahmad Shah.
Hospital working at emergency wards, OPDs and other departments of hospitals had been crippled in Faisalabad, Lahore, Rahim Yar Khan and other cities by the doctors.
The new and already admitted patients are looking for doctors to get treatment, but they are unable to find help.
Reportedly, some patients have succumbed to their ailments due to the absence of the young doctors, who make up a large part of hospital workforce.
Following the strike by the young doctors, the authorities have called all senior doctors directing them to report for duty as soon as possible.
The government also held talks with protesting doctors but the standoff could not be resolved. Later, the Health department suspended the absent doctors in Lahore and Multan, and issued notices to others.
