I WANT the authorities to pay heed to the plight of patients who suffer as a result of Lahore’s young doctors who go on strike over petty issues.

Dozens of people have reportedly died owing to lack of medical attention because doctors have locked hospital emergencies to make the government to take notice of their grievances.

This is in utter violation of the code of ethics of their profession. If the government has not done enough to help them, doctors still cannot refuse to attend patients especially in cases where it is a matter of life and death.

This blackmail by young doctors has deprived the masses of affordable health facilities. If the government is serious in improving the health sector, it is time it asked doctors to abide by their Hippocrates oath.

Ahmad Raza Kharal

Lahore

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2017