Medical strike ends as Punjab declares health emergency

Doctors return to hospitals; LGH, PGMI, AMC step up preparedness

LAHORE:

In response to Indian aggression targeting various parts of Punjab, the provincial government on Wednesday ordered the immediate closure of all public and private educational institutions, while placing hospitals on high alert to handle potential emergency situations.

All intermediate and practical examinations scheduled for the day were cancelled by the Punjab Boards, including the Part-II Islamiyat and Accounting papers. Matriculation practical exams across all boards were also postponed. Colleges and universities suspended their semester exams, with new dates to be announced once the institutions reopen.

The Punjab Health Department has directed all public hospitals—including District Headquarters (DHQs) and Tehsil Headquarters (THQs)—to operate on a 24-hour emergency footing.

Senior medical staff, including professors, doctors, nurses, and paramedics, were ordered to remain on duty without exception.

In a significant development, the Grand Health Alliance, which had been on strike for over a month, suspended all protests and resumed duties to support emergency preparedness. Their return marks a unified response from the medical community amid heightened national tensions.

A high-level security and preparedness meeting was convened at Lahore General Hospital (LGH), chaired by Prof Al-Fareed Zafar, Principal of Ameer Uddin Medical College and PGMI.

The meeting was attended by senior faculty, administrative doctors, and hospital officials, including LGH Medical Superintendent Prof Dr Faryad Hussain and Dr. Umar Ishaq, MS of Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS). Prof Zafar placed all LGH departments on high alert and appointed Prof. Armghan Israr Mirza as Director of Disaster Management to lead coordination across departments.

Detailed briefings were held with each department to ensure readiness, with special emphasis on emergency supplies, availability of life-saving drugs, standby ambulances, functional operation theatres and uninterrupted power backup.

Medical personnel were instructed to remain available at all times with their phones switched on and were prohibited from leaving their posts without prior approval.

Coordination was also established with the Blood Donation Society of AMC to guarantee timely supply of blood during any mass casualty event.

Reinforcing the need for discipline and national unity, Prof. Al-Fareed Zafar stated, "The country is in safe hands, and our Armed Forces have the full support of the nation. As medical professionals, we stand ready to work on the front lines around the clock, offering our services without hesitation in this critical time."

He praised the nation's resilience and urged the medical community to uphold their responsibilities with dedication and professionalism.