Patients across Punjab suffered a lot after Young Doctors Association (YDA) went on province-wide strike boycotting their services at the outpatient departments (OPDs) of government and public hospitals.
The YDA expanded their boycott to the rest of the Punjab on Monday against transfer of 45 postgraduate trainee doctors and medical officers (MOs) of Services Hospital by the provincial health department.
The strike caused intense anguish among the patients and attendants, as the operations, indoor and outdoor services remained suspended for the fifth day across Punjab, with the government taking no alternate steps. The doctors have vowed to continue their strike till the withdrawal of the orders.
The protesters said that they will keep the outpatient departments (OPDs) of all government hospitals closed till the settlement between the government and YDA.
Health advisor to the Punjab chief minister has declared the strike as unreasonable and maintained that it is the right of the government to take decisions relating to the appointments and transfers.
Meanwhile, the doctors’ strike was challenged in the Lahore High Court (LHC) by a local petitioner, seeking action against the YDA leaders. The court has summoned Secretary Health on April 23 in this regard.
Doctors said the strike would continue till cancellation of transfers and postings.