It is a shame for the country, at large, if patients suffer due to disgruntled doctors
LAHORE: Strikes in Pakistan are getting a lot more common now. Picture a strike along with its effects: the work area is desolated, machines stand still and the work cycle is severely affected. The authorities are caught off guard, face economic losses and resentment and may end up accepting unjustified demands of protestors. Strikes at hospitals are the worst kind of strikes and bring with them a whole set of challenges. A patient left without any caretakers is in an extremely difficult situation. Patients come to hospitals in search of cure for their ailments, from doctors and nurses and this regular, selfish calling off of duties causes great suffering to them.
A strike was recently organised by the doctors of Services Hospital in Lahore on February 25. The doctors demanded effective security from target killers as well as better salaries. Similarly, in January 2013 and July 2012, the Punjab Young Doctors Association observed strikes in Lahore. The strike of 2012 caused 11 deaths in hospitals due to non-availability of doctors. Medics need to realise that if the smooth functioning of a hospital is hindered due to a strike, it may put many lives at risk. Thus, shutting down hospitals and having protests is really not the best solution.
At times, a strike is the only option to make the government accede to demands; however, its consequences should never be ignored. Doctors should find substitutes for strikes, such as establishing a union or sending negotiation teams to the authorities. Likewise, the government should except the legitimate demands of doctors since they are important individuals of society who are serving the community. It is a shame for the country, at large, if patients suffer due to disgruntled doctors.
Ramsha Tariq
Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2015.
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