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Protests by young doctors against the privatization of government hospitals in Punjab are still ongoing, leading to the closure of outpatient departments (OPDs) for the third consecutive day.

Patients seeking treatment are encountering significant challenges due to the strike. The Young Doctors Association (YDA) has firmly rejected the government’s potential plan to privatize public hospitals and has ceased operations in OPDs.

Major government hospitals in Lahore, including Services Hospital, Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), Jinnah Hospital, General Hospital, and Children’s Hospital, have suspended routine medical services.

Patients traveling from remote areas, particularly the elderly, women, and children, are facing considerable distress as a result of the OPD closures, with only limited medical services available in emergency wards.

The young doctors contend that privatizing government hospitals would force the public into costly treatments, which they deem unacceptable.

They have called on the government to rescind the decision and take measures to enhance healthcare facilities for the public good.

Currently, there has been no significant progress in negotiations between the government and the striking doctors.