Karachi's young doctors go on strike, boycott OPD over director's removal

YDA JPMC members gather outside Jinnah Hospital's auditorium; Calls for resolution of jurisdictional disputes and federal affiliations 

By: News Desk
Published: 11:33 AM, 4 Dec, 2024
Karachi's young doctors go on strike, boycott OPD over director's removal
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The Young Doctors Association (YDA) at Karachi’s Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) boycotted the Out-Patient Department (OPD) services on Wednesday against the removal of Prof. Dr. Shahid Rasool as the hospital’s Executive Director. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the YDA JPMC member doctors staged a protest demonstration outside the hospital's Najmuddin Auditorium.

However, a separate group of young doctors disassociated themselves from the strike, expressing support for the administration's decision to remove the executive director. 

In a press release issued by YDA JPMC President Dr Abdul Waheed, General Secretary Dr Halar Shaikh, and Spokesperson Dr Jawad Samejo a day ago, the association announced a peaceful protest to highlight pressing administrative concerns. 

They emphasised the importance of merit-based appointments via Jinnah Sindh Medical University and opposed the removal of Dr Shahid Rasool, citing his critical role in maintaining the hospital's standards.

The doctors also called for the resolution of jurisdictional disputes and federal affiliations that disrupt hospital operations. 

The YDA urged faculty members, postgraduate trainees, and house officers to join their two-hour protest in solidarity, which they claimed aimed to protect institutional integrity and patient care.

The protesting doctors plan to hold a press conference soon to formally address the issues surrounding Dr Shahid Rasool’s removal and to present their demands publicly.

Reporter: Ibrahim Rand