Doctors suspend strike at LRH for two days

Patients suffered a great deal as no doctors were available for surgeries

PESHAWAR: The continuing struggle between doctors and paramedics over hostel occupancy was temporarily put on hold as trainee medical officers suspended their strike after assurances from a PTI lawmaker.

The strike was called off for two days after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Dr Azhar Jadoon assured that their concerns regarding lodging would be addressed.

“We held a meeting with the secretary health and Jadoon assured us that our problems would be addressed,” doctors’ committee member Dr Muhammad Iqtidar told The Express Tribune he said. “Therefore, we have suspended the strike.” However, the strike was merely suspended and Iqtidar warned that doctors could resume it if their demands were not met.

Earlier, the boycott added to the miseries of patients; many of whom were scheduled for surgery at LRH.

Police sealed of the hostel after eight people were injured in Monday’s clash between LRH paramedics and doctors. Things were at a standstill on Tuesday as doctors boycotted the outpatient department. The paramedics, however, did not go on strike.

The situation worsened after doctors continued their protest, leaving patients stuck between a rock and a hard place as some of them were even scheduled for surgeries.

Sher Afzal, 50 was also scheduled for surgery on Monday, but his operation was delayed like that of many others. Afzal asked that his surgery be carried out on the next day. Again, the procedure was delayed as doctors continued their boycott for another day.

“I have come from Chakdara and have been in pain since I have to go in for a lung surgery,” he said. “It seems unlikely though as everyone is on strike,” Afzal continued. He added he was asked to leave the operation theater on two occasions.

The doctors’ strike prompted ward patients’ attendants hold a demonstration on the hospital premises. They chanted slogans against the medics and urged them to call of the strike as patients needed them.

LRH focal person Jamil Shah told The Express Tribune that operations were being carried out only in emergency.