The battle between the Punjab government and Young Doctors Association (YDA) has intensified. While the Punjab government has refused to concede ground to the pressure exerted by YDA, Pakistan Medical Association and senior doctors, the doctors’ community has vowed to do whatever it takes to have its demands accepted. The provincial government has commissioned the services of 150 Army doctors to supervise the Out Patient Wards in major hospitals. It has further decided to dispense with the services of protesting doctors and replace them with 454 new doctors who have recently qualified the Punjab Public Service Commission’s competitive examination. The need of the hour is that the Punjab government should accept the legitimate demands if the protesting doctors promise to resume duties. Now that the YDA with support of PMA has announced to stage a sit-in in front of the CM Secretariat on July 5, the situation may further deteriorate. What is encouraging is that the Chief Minister has invited a delegation of YDA for talks. YDA spokesman has said if three of their demands including induction in Grade 18 are accepted, they would call off the strike. An amicable settlement must be worked out. Doctors must realise that by denying treatment to patients, they have generated ill will within the general public. They must honour their role as Messiahs for the ailing patients.

Trending Discussions

Nisar presents preliminary report on Ziarat attack in ...

Balochistan blues!

Landlord sets dogs on minor in Muzaffargarh

Saad Rafique vows to clear encroachments on Railways ...