Peeda being used to quell protest.

Byline: Iqtidar Gilani

LAHORE -- Health providers continued strike at public sector hospitals across the province on 22nd day on Thursday, adding to the woes of ailing humanity.

The Grand Health Alliance, representative body of young doctors, young consultants, nurses and paramedical staff, also stayed away from duties at indoor wards for the third day, multiplying the miseries of admitted patients. Though prolonged strike had so far failed to get attention of healthcare managers, the GHA had announced continuing the same till withdrawal of Punjab Medical Teaching Institutions (Reforms) Act 20019, legislation aimed at 'privatizing the public hospitals'.

The specialized healthcare and medical education department also initiated departmental action with terminations and disciplinary proceedings against leaders of protesting doctors under Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act 2006, adding fuel to the fire.

Doctors adamant reforms act should be withdrawn

GHA Chairman Dr Salman Haseeb Chaudhry announced the medics resume duties in southern Punjab hospitals so that train tragedy victims could be provided relief. 'The doctors, nurses, paramedics have started working in Burn Unit of Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, and Shaikh Zayed Hosital, Rahim Yar Khan to ensure provision of efficient and effective treatment to the burn victims of Tez Gam Express,' he informed. He lamented that the government put the proposal submitted by YDA in 2017 regarding setting up burn units in South Punjab in the dust bin.

Barring in South Punjab hospitals, healthcare providers practically boycotted at departments, except emergency. The GHA also staged a protest and sit-in in front of office of Vice Chancellor...

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