Doctors take to streets against reforms law.

Byline: Iqtidar Gilani

LAHORE -- Healthcare providers came out on roads on Monday to protest against the Punjab Medical Teaching Institutions (Reforms) Act 2019, causing a massive traffic jam on important arteries at peak hours.

After causing huge inconvenience to patients during 12 days strike at OPDs of public sector hospital across the province, the Grand Health Alliance (GHA) extended protests outside health facilities to give a strong message to the government.

On the call of GHA, young doctors, young consultants, nurses, paramedical staff and allied health professionals blocked major roads in the morning, causing worst traffic mess for hours.

Long queues of vehicles were witnessed on The Mall, Jail Road, Shahra-e-Fatima Jinnah and adjoining arteries. Patients faced huge difficulties in reaching the health facilities due to blockage of roads outside by the protesters. Even ambulances carrying patients were stuck in traffic jam. Healthcare providers from Lahore General Hospital and Children's Hospitals blocked Ferozpur Road and those from Services Hospitals and Punjab Institute of Cardiology the Jail Road. Protesters from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital blocked Shahra-e-Fatima Jinnah. Doctors, nurses and paramedics from Mayo Hospital marched to the Mall and staged a sit in at GPO Chowk.

Carrying placards and banners inscribed with their demands...