Strike over HIV probe hits Nishtar Hospital
Contrary to initial reports of the presence of 500 bodies, only four were found on the rooftop. PHOTO: EXPRESS
A strike at Nishtar Hospital Multan, organised by the Grand Health Alliance, led to the disruption of outpatient services, leaving hundreds of patients without treatment.
The protest stemmed from the suspension of nephrology department doctors and a head nurse following allegations of 25 dialysis patients contracting HIV.
The strike, which began on Monday morning at the hospital's outpatient department (OPD), was called to demand the reinstatement of the suspended staff, the formation of a transparent inquiry committee to determine the true source of the HIV cases and an end to alleged police harassment of medical professionals.
According to reports, the hospital administration briefly reopened the OPD after the initial closure, allowing for partial patient consultations.
However, the Grand Health Alliance resumed the strike an hour later, resulting in a day-long standoff between the protesting doctors and the administration.
The impasse caused significant inconvenience to patients, including those from South Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, many of whom returned home without treatment.