LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday ordered postgraduate training doctors – who have been protesting against Medical Teaching Institutions (MTI) Act and possible privatisation of the hospitals – to end their strike till 12 noon today.
Importantly, the court also ordered the health secretary to initiate consultation with all stakeholders to resolve their concerns about the ordinance.
Besides, the court has sought a report in writing regarding the ending of protest by the doctors.
Responding to the court’s displeasure, a lawyer representing the doctors told the court that they would follow its order and end the strike today.
“We will issue the detailed order today […] only cowards speak loudly […] I speak of the law and will ensure its implementation,” Justice Jawad Hassan responded angrily.
To which, the doctors’ lawyer told the court that they were standing by the court’s side.
The court further directed the health secretary to hold a workshop with all stakeholders including young protesting doctors.
Yesterday, the judge expressed strong anger over postgraduate training doctors for suspending treatment to patients and not appearing in the hearing today despite of court’s orders.
Justice Jawad Hassan had presided over hearing of a petition against protesting doctors and remarked: “I will see which doctor refuses treatment to patients […] we will direct crackdown against protesting doctors today.”
“There is no concept of doctors going on strike all over the world […] who gives license to these doctors?” the court had asked.
Health department officials had told the court that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) issues license to the medical practitioners.(Additional Input From INP)
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