The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab held a demonstration against the Health Department on Monday in front of Children’s Hospital demanding free treatment for patients and the implementation of a service structure promised for doctors.
Dr Khuzaima Arsalan of the YDA said, “This demonstration is a part of a series of protests planned throughout the province.” She said the equipment and machinery used at most hospitals needed to be replaced. Another protesting doctor said, “It has been over a year since the government approved a service structure for doctors…that is yet to be implemented.Our protest will continue till patients are treated for free and the service structure is fully implemented.”
The Outpatient Department (OPD) on Monday remained closed for several hours due to the protest. The Emergency Ward and indoor departments remained functional.
Muhammad Ishaq, a resident of Kasur, said, “I brought my son for a check up, but there are no doctors here. Had I known there would be a protest I would have visited some other day.” He said every time there was a protest it was the patients who suffered. “It’s ironic that they claim to be protesting for patients’ rights.” Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated hospital for paediatric treatment in the city. Patients from as far as Rajanpur, Multan, Sahiwal and Jhelum visit the hospital.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 21st, 2014.