Doctors’ strike spreads to Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: After Lahore, government hospital doctors in Rawalpindi have also launched a strike against the alleged privatisation of public healthcare.

Outpatient departments (OPDs) at Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital were shut as doctors, under the Young Doctors Association (YDA), boycotted duties.

However, emergency and indoor services remained functional.

YDA Rawalpindi warned the protest could intensify if their demands are not met.

LAHORE ENTERS DAY 16 OF STRIKE

In Lahore, young doctors and paramedics continued their protest for a 16th straight day, disrupting services at key hospitals including Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Jinnah Hospital, General Hospital, and Ganga Ram Hospital.

A complete strike by doctors was reported in several facilities, while partial disruptions were seen in others. Lahore General Hospital saw the worst situation, where OPD rooms were locked, and some patient attendants were allegedly assaulted by striking staff.

Hospital staff have defied management warnings and refused to return to duties.

GOVERNMENT REFUSES TO BOW TO PRESSURE

Despite the worsening situation, the Punjab government has decided not to negotiate with the YDA unless they call off the strike.

Officials said the government won’t allow public healthcare to be held hostage and is unwilling to set a precedent that might trigger similar protests from other departments.

Even a special committee formed by the Punjab Assembly Speaker has not been authorised to engage with protestors, indicating the government’s firm stance on the matter.

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Under the banner of the Grand Health Alliance, doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff are demanding that the decision to privatise hospitals be withdrawn, warning of intensified protests otherwise.