Testing times: Another protest at Mayo hurts patients

A large number of technicians protested over relocating blood testing laboratory to King Edward Medical University.

LAHORE: Another day of suffering was on the cards for patients at Mayo Hospital as a large number of technicians protested over relocating the blood testing laboratory to King Edward Medical University (KEMU).

During the protest on Friday, they closed down the laboratory and hundreds of patients were deprived of medical tests as a result. This also caused a trickle down which hampered other functionality of the medical facility.

Talking to the media, paramedical staff head Abdul Hai said they transferred the laboratory from the emergency ward and this was becoming a nuisance for ailing patients who visit from far-flung areas.

“Without any recommendations or suggestions, they took the decision and this will only create further hurdles for laboratory staff,” he added. He stated it would now take longer for patients to get their blood samples or other reports,” he said. He demanded the hospital immediately withdraw the decision otherwise the protest would continue.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2017.