After 9 days, striking doctors resume duties

Protesters warn of restarting the strike if govt insisted on new MTI law

RAWALPINDI: After boycotting duties in the outpatient departments and wards for the past nine days, doctors on Monday finally called off its strike in government hospitals across Punjab against the Medical Teaching Institution (MTI) Act.

The strike was withdrawn on the pronouncement of Grand Health Alliance (GHA). Thereafter, they conditionally resumed services at the Outpatient Departments (OPDs).

Patients, who have been visiting the Benazir Bhutto General Hospital (BBGH), the Holy Family Hospital (HFH) and the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), but have been returning empty-handed due to the strike, have heaved a sigh of relief.

As word of doctors returning to their posts spread, an unusual rush of patients could be witnessed at the hospitals on Monday morning.

The nine-day-long strike had wreaked havoc with the healthcare system in government hospitals.

Sources in the GHA said that the strike was called off after an 11-member committee was tasked to review the matter and the committee is expected to present its recommendations to a standing committee of Punjab assembly.

However, GHA officials have warned that they will resume their strike if any attempt is made by the provincial government to impose the MTI.

On a strike call given by the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab, doctors, paramedical staff and nurses at the three hospitals in Rawalpindi, along with their colleagues across the province, shut down OPD rooms by putting locks on them from May 3.

The protesting doctors had stated that they did not wish to cause any discomfort for patients but only wanted to tell the provincial government not to impose the MIT Act in public hospitals.

The medical staffers contended that once the MIT law is enacted, free medical consultation will cost around Rs200, while fixed rates will have to be paid for tests, treatment, operation and other medical expenses.

They had warned that their strike will only intensify unless their demands were met. They followed through on their threat by expanding the strike to the general wards as well late last week.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2019.