PIC's OPD, indoor services remain suspended; emergency ward reopened.

LAHORE -- The out-patient department (OPD) and indoor services of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) remained suspended on the fourth consecutive day after hundreds of lawyers rampaged through the cardiac health facility on Wednesday. The violent clash had left three patients dead.

Reportedly, hundreds of patients are still deprived of several medical tests, including angiography and echocardiography which are critically important for heart patients before doctors can proceed with their treatment.

The closure of the operation theatre has further worsened the situation for incoming patients. Dozens of patients had been already shifted to other hospitals on Wednesday evening. However, the emergency ward has been made functional, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar stated Saturday.

'Patients were facing difficulties due to closure of the emergency [...] other services will also be restored soon,' he said, adding that it has been decided to perform legislation for the protection of hospitals, doctors and staff.

New medical equipment, machinery, furniture and other items have been supplied...