KARACHI, Nov 12: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Karachi, on Tuesday, staged a protest demonstration outside Karachi Press Club against privatization of educational institutions and establishment of board of governors in public hospitals by the Punjab government.

PMA central president Dr Yasmeen Rashid, general-secretary Dr Tipu, PMA, Karachi general-secretary Habib Soomro, Dr Sirajudaullah and Dr Wajahat were among those who participated.

The demonstrators raised slogans against government’s education and health policies and criticized its failure to mitigate the sufferings of a large number of people who lack basic health facilities.

They were carrying placards inscribed with slogans such as “model university ordinance not acceptable, we reject privatization of public hospitals, health and educational facilities are the basic right of every citizen, etc”.

Talking to newsmen, the PMA office-bearers said they were extremely concerned about policies of the government of Punjab in regard to hospitals, medical colleges and universities and specially over the alleged harassment of doctors and arrest of Dr Amir Aziz without any charge.

“The government has failed to provide health care facilities and basic education to people of the country and under the influence of the vested interests it has come out with the idea of privatization of educational institutions and hospitals,” they added.

They demanded that the government should immediately withdraw all these decisions and consult professional forums before formulating any law regarding education and health.—PPI