ISLAMABAD, March 26: The Young Doctors Association (YDA) at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) on Saturday kept the outpatient department (OPD) of the hospital closed leaving several hundred patients in limbo.This was the first major disruption caused by the strike of young doctors at the Pims.

“We have closed down OPD and even planned to cancel surgeries in next phase,” Dr Taqi Anwar told Dawn.

He said that they had conveyed their demands to the health ministry through Pims executive director and were waiting fortheir response.

Around 10 consultants of the hospital participated in the strike and supported YDA stance. The YDA members gathered at the entrance of VIP ward of the hospital and chanted slogans against the health ministry.

The YDA members have been demanding induction of all doctors in BPS-18, pay increase from Rs22,000 to Rs70,000 for medical officers, and regularisation of doctors working on contract for the last several years.

At the Federal Government Services Hospital, YDA members have decided to support Pims and would close their OPD on Monday.

A representative of Polyclinic YDA said that “they will completely shut down OPD on Monday as the health ministry has failed to resolve their concerns.”