Token strike at PIMS from today if workers’ demands not met

Islamabad : Effective July 12, a three-hour token strike will be observed at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), leading to suspension of services in the Out-Patient Department and Vaccination Center of the hospital.

A decision to this effect was announced during a meeting of the Federal Grand Health Alliance (FGHA) here Saturday. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Asfandyar Khan and attended by representatives of the Young Consultants Association, Young Doctors Association, Nursing Association, Officers Association, Paramedical Staff Association, and Non-Gazetted Employees Association, all of whom expressed absolute confidence in the leadership of FGHA.

The meeting unanimously demanded of the government to desist from having the MTI Bill (which has already been rejected by the Senate Standing Committee) approved by the Senate, and to accede to the health workers’ rightful demand for release of Covid risk allowance on a monthly basis, as implemented in the provinces.

The FGHA also constituted a committee led by Liaquat Ogahi; this committee has been entrusted with establishing liaison with various hospitals, holding negotiations with relevant government officials, and developing a strategy for acceptance of their demands.

The committee, which comprises members from all associations, announced to widen the scope of the strike if their demands are not met.