On the call given by the Doctors Grand Alliance (DGA), doctors and paramedical staff of public sector hospitals on Saturday continued their protest against Medical Teaching Institutions Act to press the government for the acceptance of their demands.

Due to the protest of the doctors, the OPD's, the operation theatres and other departments remained closed which caused problems for the people. According to reports, strike was also observed in Multan, Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi and other parts of the province.

Due to the protest, the patients had to suffer. The protestors vowed that their protest will continue until the government is not taken back the MTI Act.

Moreover, a delegation of DGA led by MPA/Chairman Standing Committee on Health Dr Muhammad Afzal called on Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Parvez Elahi at his residence here Saturday.

The delegation was comprised of GHA, PMA, YDA, YNA, para-medical staff and nursing staff representatives.

The delegation presented three demands to the Speaker Punjab Assembly which include reconstitution of Board of Governors of medical institutions, services of doctors and para-medical staff be regularized and necessary arrangements be completed before allowing start of private practice in the hospitals.

Ch Parvez Elahi told the delegation members that he is against dismissal of any employee from service.

He asked the protestors to call off their strike. He assured that their demands will be presented before the government. He said the people should be provided quality healthcare facilities.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019