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       LAHORE: The young doctors and paramedics observed a strike at the outpatient departments (OPDs) of the government hospitals in Lahore and some other parts of Punjab on the 15th day of their agitation against outsourcing of the state-run health facilities.

       The complete strike was witnessed at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore General Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital while a partial strike was reported in other teaching hospitals of the province.

       The most deteriorating healthcare situation was witnessed at the LGH where the young doctors and paramedics locked all rooms of the OPD. They also thrashed the attendants of some patients for demanding treatment.

       The medics and other employees refused to join duties, setting aside warnings of the management.

       On the other hand, the employees continued to lodge a protest on The Mall on the 15th day of agitation.

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       The paramedics and the young doctors are spending day and nights at the protest camp outside the Punjab Assembly building. They have blocked the road for traffic by staging a sit-in there.

       The YDA reiterated that they would not end the agitation till the acceptance of their legitimate demands.

       RAHIM YAR KHAN: Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff of Shaikh Zayed Medical College Hospital observed a strike against the proposed privatisation and outsourcing of hospitals, rural health centres and basic health units in the district.

       The protest was held under the banner of the Greater Health Alliance.

       Dozens of protesters gathered outside the OPD and locked its doors. They later staged a rally from the OPD to the hospital’s main gate.

       Speaking to the participants, GHA Chairman Dr Amjad Ali, Young Doctors Association President Dr Imtiaz Ajmal and patron-in-chief Imran Arshad vowed to resist the privatisation move.

       They warned the provincial government if their demands were not met, they would escalate their protest by suspending indoor services and closing operation theatres.

       In the third and final phase, they said, emergency services could also be shut down.

       Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2025