GHA sit-in continues against privatization of hospitals in Lahore

The Punjab Grand Health Alliance (GHA) continued their sit-in on Charing Cross in Lahore on the third consecutive day against the privatisation of hospitals in the province, reported 24News HD TV Channel on Wednesday.
The protesters established different camps and carried banners saying “privatisation of hospitals rejected.”
Members of the Nursing Wing Association, Pakistan Medical Association, Para-Medical Association, All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA), Kissan Board, EPI, and PHCIP are also participating in the sit-in.
The protesters are demanding the government accept their demands and withdraw privatisation of hospitals.
It is necessary to mention here that the Punjab government announced it would privatise basic health units and rural health centres and clinical and administration departments of Jinnah Hospital and the pathology department of Mayo Hospital.
Earlier, yesterday while addressing the protesters, President of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab, Shoaib Niazi, said that if the government will not accept our demands, then we have to stop performing our professional duties.
He said that around 7,000 doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff already lost their jobs.
A large number of doctors, paramedical staff, nurses, and employees of the health department were present in the sit-in.
Due to the sit-in, a severe traffic jam was witnessed on all roads leading to Charing Cross. Later the traffic police diverted the traffic on alternative routes from Alhamra Arts Council and Regal Chowk.
A heavy contingent of police already reached the spot to avoid any incident and to control the law and order situation.
In her address, Dr. Rukhsana Anwar said that their sit-in will continue till complete acceptance of our demands.
Reporter: Talha Ashraf