LAHORE: Lahore’s government hospitals have been thrown into chaos over the past week as the Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) remain closed due to an ongoing young doctors strike.
The strike was triggered by the termination and transfer of three medical professionals from a city hospital and the alleged murder of another in Gujrat city.
Young doctors, in a united front, have not only ceased services in OPDs but also indoor wards, compounding the inconvenience for patients and their attendants. For the eighth consecutive day, slip counters at major hospitals such as Mayo, Jinnah, General, Services, and Gangaram Hospital remain shuttered, worsening the plight of those in need of medical attention.
The Young Doctors Association (YDA) has issued a stern warning, indicating their intention to expand the strike across Punjab if their demands are not addressed. Amid the persistent deadlock, thousands of patients are contending with daily hardships, prompting appeals to doctors not to penalize patients and their attendants for the ongoing dispute.
As the impasse persists, the healthcare system in Lahore is at a standstill, leaving patients distressed and uncertain about the full restoration of essential medical services. Additionally, the non-provision of free medicines has drawn the ire of Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who expressed his displeasure during a visit to Government Abdul Rahim Hospital in Sodiwal, Lahore.
The Chief Minister inspected the emergency and other wards, addressing concerns raised by attendants regarding the lack of free medicines, inadequate blood supply facilities, and poor sanitary conditions in the hospital.
Responding promptly, Chief Minister Naqvi issued a stern warning to the medical superintendent and ordered the refund of money to those who purchased medicines from the market.
