Out once again: Junior doctors’ protests paralyse traffic

Medics demand withdrawal of health dept’s central induction policy

LAHORE: There was a colossal gridlock on Lahore’s roads during peak rush hours on Tuesday as the Young Doctors Association (YDA) protested against the health department’s central induction policy.

They went through Ferozpur Road, Jail Road and Canal Road to voice their demands.

The protests against the policy continued from the start of the year when it was introduced by the health department. However, it was unofficially accepted by different sections of the YDA around two months ago.

Those unhappy with the policy took to the streets after a two-month gap and said it was going to be the “killer” of the medical profession. “If I don’t want specialise in surgery, why they are forcing me?” asked Dr Rafia, a house officer at the Services Hospital.

She said that with the CIP, the health department has gained the authority to adjust all postgraduate residents in any discipline; otherwise they would not be allowed to continue with the profession.

“Actually, I want to specialise in gynaecology. Why are they forcing me into surgery?” she asked. “Should I leave the country?”

About 150 doctors took part in each of the demonstrations, while the YDA Lahore General Hospital chapter cordoned off Ferozpur road. As a result, thousands of commuters, including school-going children, faced serious issues in reaching their destinations.



Lahore General Hospital YDA Dr Saleem said that government must withdraw the CIP as soon as possible otherwise his organisation would protest across Punjab for an indefinite period.

When contacted, the health department spokesman said the government had already endorsed the policy. “It cannot change and we will not allow them (the doctors) to do anything wrong.”

“If the government accepts their demands, the medics will ask for appointments of medical superintendents and principals of teaching hospitals based on their wishes,” he added.

Three weeks ago, the same doctors had blocked the Mall Road for 15 days as their colleagues had been terminated.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2016.