PIMS staff to stage a hunger strike today

Protest imposition of MTI system in largest tertiary care hospital of capital

ISLAMABAD:

Doctors and paramedical staff of federal government (FG) hospitals under Grand Health Alliance (GHA) have warned of staging a hunger strike outside the Parliament House today (Wednesday) unless the government withdraws their plans to implement a new structure.

A large staff of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and other federal government hospitals on Tuesday continued their protest for the ninth consecutive day against the imposition of the Medical Teaching Institute (MTI) Ordinance.

Despite the heavy rains, they marched from the hospital to the National Press Club (NPS). The protesters condemned Prime Minister Imran Khan for handing over the management of the health department to his acquaintance Dr Faisal Sultan and held him responsible for the destruction of institutions.

The protesting rally then marched to the press club where they demanded the government immediately stop the implementation of the MTI ordinance. The medical workers warned the government that if their demands were not met, they would move their protest to the Parliament House and would continue their protest daily until their demands are accepted.

GHA Chairman Dr Asfandyar announced setting up a hunger strike camp outside Parliament House today.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2020.