KASUR: The young doctors, nurses and paramedics of the Baba Bulleh Shah Hospital (BBSH) continued their strike for the sixth consecutive day against the medical superintendent (MS) here on Tuesday.

On the call of the Young Doctors Association (YDA), the doctors at the BBSH went on strike on Thursday against the MS for his alleged abusive language, harsh attitude and corruption.

About 100 paramedics and nurses presented their resignations on Tuesday in solidarity with the YDA while 62 doctors had already submitted their resignations and demanded transfer of MS Dr Muhammad Farooq. It must be mentioned here that MS Farooq is holding additional charge of the BBSH as he heads the AIDS programme at Lahore.

On Tuesday, Saddar police booked 13, including a former dispenser of the DHQ, Shakeel Ahmed, and HR officer Amir on the complaint of MS Farooq who alleged that both the officials had tried to disturb the peace at the health facility. The MS alleged that Shakeel and Amir attacked a group of journalists at the hospital, tortured them and snatched cash from them.

100 more paramedics, nurses submit resignations

The tension between the young doctors and MS has intensified as on Monday, the hospital staff had submitted an application with the Saddar police over 50 outlaws attacked hospital staff in the wards, tortured them and ransacked hospital. The situation forced the doctors to call police. The YDA alleged that the attack was planned by the MS.

It is important to mention that the application was given without any specific complainant as it was by hospital staff, which is likely to spoil its legal status.

On Tuesday, the outpatient departments (OPDs) at the BBSH and three tehsil headquarters remained closed on the call of the YDA.

Dr Tahir Shaheen of the YDA Punjab chapter said they would join the local YDA on Wednesday. He also alleged that DC and local political figures were supporting the MS.

MS Farooq said some elements did not want the situation to be normalised for their vested interests.

He said he just wanted the doctors to perform their duty and had no personal grudge against anybody.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2023