LAHORE – On Tuesday, young doctors from Punjab’s teaching hospitals marched to demand that their demands be met.
Protesting doctors in Lahore blocked Ferozepur Road, Jail Road, Mall Road, and Canal Road, demanding that medication shortages in hospitals be addressed, looting under the guise of revamping be stopped, hospitals be audited, ad-hoc doctors be regularised, and unjustified contract renewal restrictions be lifted immediately.
Young physicians urged the permanent hiring of medics, a raise in doctors’ pay, the implementation of health professional allowances as ordered by the Supreme Court, and an immediate halt to unjustified transfers and postings.
The demonstrators requested that young doctors be appointed as house officers in accordance with the 2003 policy, and that health department dispensaries be changed to doctors’ dispensaries for greater efficiency.
They also requested that doctors’ seats in dispensaries be restored immediately, as well as the reinstatement of those who had been fired.
The young doctor went on to say that, in light of rising unemployment, the number of postgraduate trainers should be increased, doctors’ positions should be immediately increased, medical officers should be appointed, and security measures should be implemented to provide a safe environment for doctors in hospitals.
Due to the doctors’ protest, barriers posed significant challenges for vehicles, pedestrians, and patients alike.
