FAISALABAD, Sept 24: Doctors took out a protest procession against the introduction of Punjab Rural Support Programme (PRSP) launched by an NGO in the basic health centres of the district here on Thursday.

The doctors staged a demonstration at Kutchery Bazaar crossing and raised slogans against the Punjab government and programme's coordinator. Carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of their demand, they marched on various city roads.

They alleged that the government was hatching conspiracies to hand over the state-run medical institutions and health centres to private concerns and NGOs. The introduction of PRSP was also a part of the game but the doctors community would not allow the government to do so, they added.

They said a PMA delegation had met the chief minister in Lahore and the latter had assured them that their interests would be safeguarded at all cost. But the launch of PRSP was a clear violation of the rules and promise made by the chief minister.

They feared that the doctors working in the basic health units would be kicked out under the plan and new appointments would be made on contract basis. When contacted, the PRSP coordinator said the doctors working in the BHUs would not be replaced or even disturbed as they would work under the direct command of the EDO and DO (health). They would also be entitled to fringe benefits, monthly salaries and allowance according to their previous terms of employment, he added.

FIREWORKS: Police have launched a campaign against unauthorized sellers and manufacturers of fireworks and booked three people on Thursday.