YDA closes operation theatres in Punjab hospitals

LAHORE:The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab closed the operation theatres in Punjab's hospitals on Tuesday in its reaction to, what they called, police torture of peaceful protesters.

The previous night, the police had taken a surprise action against Grand Health Alliance's sit-in in front of Punjab Assembly, cleaned up the sit-in site, picked up the activists and lodged an FIR against them.

Earlier, GHA continued its protest demonstration and sit-in on 23 days and closed outdoor and indoor services for nine days. Following police action, at PIC, the elective lists of ECHO and Thallium scan were also closed. The patients are facing severe problems due to the closure of the outdoors across Punjab.

Dr Mudassar Nawaz Ashrafi, at a press conference at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that the police tortured the protesting women. ‘Our protest has not ended. Now there will be protests across Punjab. The OPD and indoor services will remain suspended in government hospitals. The government wants to do politics on the bodies,’ he said, adding that the government has been forcing them to close emergency services as well. ‘If the FIR is not abolished in two to three days, we will make a big announcement,’ he warned.

Earlier, a case was registered against the central leadership of the Grand Health Alliance and several members of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) following a violent protest on Mall Road.

According to an FIR filed at the Civil Lines police station, the protest turned violent when a group of 50 to 60 individuals allegedly attacked police officials with knives, scissors, and sticks. The FIR stated that protesters damaged government property, dismantled security barriers, and assaulted officers, tearing their uniforms in the process. The complaint, lodged by police, specifically names Dr Shoaib Niazi and eight other members of the YDA, along with more than 300 unidentified individuals. The accused are charged with attacking government personnel and obstructing public order at various points throughout the City.

As tensions escalated, protesters reportedly left Faisal Chowk in anger and proceeded towards Club Chowk, where police forces intervened. A total of 26 individuals were arrested during the crackdown. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has condemned alleged police torture of healthcare workers. In a statement issued here on Tuesday, PMA (Centre) Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said that this barbaric act, coupled with the lodging of FIR against a doctor advocating for these rights, represents an unprecedented and unacceptable escalation of violence against those who dedicate their lives to serving the public.

The PMA demanded the immediate withdrawal of the baseless FIR and called for swift and decisive action against those responsible for the brutal torture of peaceful protesters. The PMA appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, human rights organisations, and all citizens concerned to stand in unwavering support of the healthcare heroes of Punjab.