LAHORE – The Punjab Young Doctors Association received another setback on Wednesday as OPDs of majority of the hospitals either worked normally or with comparatively less attendance of doctors. The YDA announced strike at OPDs and provide healthcare facilities at camps outside the hospitals till acceptance of demands.
Management of teaching hospitals in Lahore and police failed YDA attempt of closing down OPDs and establishing camps outside health facilities. OPDs of Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Services Hospital continued to work as per normal routine.
Partial strike at Jinnah Hospital and Lahore General Hospital created hardships for the patients and their attendants. YDA managed to close down OPD of Children’s Hospital and established a camp outside to check visiting patients. The hospital management and the police removed the camp and reopened OPD without any significant resistance from the young doctors.
Punjab Health Department has initiated proceedings against three doctors including a WMO under PEEDA Act on the charges of creating hurdles in the provision of healthcare facilities to the patients and trying to forcibly close OPDs of different public sector hospitals in the City.
These doctors include Dr Basharat Gill of Services Hospital, Dr Matloob of Mayo Hospital and Dr Jaweria Fatima of Children’s Hospital.
Health Department has also directed Medical Superintendents of hospitals to submit lists of doctors who established camps outside OPDs.