The medical workers of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) protested against enforcement of the Medical Teaching Institute (MTI) Ordinance and threatened to march towards D-Chowk on Thursday.
The protesters, under the umbrella of the Grand Health Alliance (GDA), chanted slogans against the ordinance and the government. They warned that if their demands are not met, their protest could turn into a sit-in.
The demonstration was joined by the Islamabad Mayor Pir Adil Shah, Jamat-e-Islami Naib Emir Muhammad Aslam as well as by other organisations, including the Young Doctors Association (YDA), Young Consultants Association (YCA) and nurses and paramedics.
The Islamabad administration, in a bid to ward off the protestors, cordoned off the roads leading to Parliament House from D-Chowk while a heavy police force remained deployed until the protest was finally called off.
Addressing the protesters, GHA Chairman Dr Asfand Yar said that privatisation of the healthcare facilities is not acceptable at any cost.
The mayor assured the protestors that his party, PML-N, will raise the matter in the parliament.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 1st, 2021.
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