Protests against the privatization of government hospitals and rural health centers continue in Punjab, with the Grand Health Alliance announcing that they will close the OPDs of Jinnah and General Hospitals tomorrow.

The Grand Health Alliance’s sit-in at Chairing Cross, Mall Road, Lahore, has entered its third day, but negotiations between the health department and protesting employees remain deadlocked.

According to details, the sit-in against the privatization of hospitals in Punjab continued for a third day at Chairing Cross, but talks failed to take place. The employees have appealed, stating that the Punjab Chief Minister is not being informed of the real facts.

Dr. Salman, a representative of the Grand Health Alliance, said that health department officials have refused to engage in negotiations. He added that healthcare workers are sitting in front of the Punjab Assembly in the scorching heat, and the ruling class shows no concern for women. He further announced that the OPDs at Jinnah and General Hospitals would be closed tomorrow.

Protests continue for third day against privatization of government hospitals in Punjab

Rukhsana Anwar, another protest leader, stated that Lady Health Workers would completely boycott the polio campaign. She criticized the government for leaving workers unemployed after 20-25 years of service, urging Punjab Chief Minister Marium Nawaz to take care of these workers and reverse the privatization decision. She warned that if the issue is not resolved, the workers would proceed with a full boycott of the polio campaign.

Sources have indicated that the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has also called a meeting tomorrow.

Meanwhile, in solidarity with the protesting employees, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Chaudhry Manzoor addressed the sit-in, emphasizing that their government has always provided relief to the poor. He announced that not only will the OPD at Jinnah Hospital be shut down, but the Grand Health Alliance is also planning to block Canal Road for further protests.