PESHAWAR, July 19: The NWFP Paramedical Association has announced strike schedule throughout the province against what they called the government's delaying tactics regarding approval of their long-awaited service structure.

Speaking at a news conference here at the Peshawar Press Club on Monday, provincial president of the association Sirajuddin Burki, said that more than 10,000 employees had been hoodwinked by the present government.

"We have been struggling relentlessly for the past 25 years to attain a proper service structure, but to no avail. Every government has deceived us by making false promises with us and this government is no exception", he said.

He said a 'black day' will be observed at all the district and agency headquarters hospitals on July 27, he said. Mr Burki said that posters would be displayed at health outlets and the staff would wear black arm-bands.

The second phase of the protest will be marked by complete strike in Malakand division on Aug 2 and a protest meeting is also scheduled at the Saidu Group of Hospitals, the same day.

Strike would take place in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan division on Aug 9. Paramedics in Hazara division will observe strike on Aug 16 followed by strike in Liaquat Memorial Hospital, Kohat on Aug 23.