2 weeks Ago By IHSAN UL HAQ
Rahim Yar Khan - Patients at Sheikh Zayed Hospital faced immense hardship on Monday after medical professionals suspended outpatient services in protest against the government’s move to privatise Basic Health Units (BHUs). The rally, led by Grand Health Alliance (GHA) Chairman Dr Amjad Ali, included senior representatives from various healthcare associations and began at the hospital’s OPD before culminating at City Chowk. Hundreds of patients, many of whom had travelled long distances, were left without care.
Frustrated attendants staged demonstrations against what they described as the unprofessional conduct of doctors during the crisis. Speaking to media, Dr Amjad Ali and other leaders condemned the government’s push to hand over hospital management to private contractors. “The lives of poor patients will be dictated by market forces,” Dr Imtiaz Ahmed stated.
The doctors further criticised police action during an earlier peaceful protest outside the Punjab Assembly, which involved baton charges and water cannons, resulting in multiple injuries. They warned that if the privatisation decision is not reversed, the protest movement will escalate and extend to more hospitals across the province. 22-year-old IIU student shot dead in private hostel Tags: queues doctors rahim.
