The Grand Health Alliance (GHA) Punjab has escalated its protest against the proposed privatisation of public hospitals by shutting down outpatient departments (OPDs) at government hospitals across the province.
Major medical facilities such as Jinnah Hospital, General Hospital, and Children’s Hospital have halted OPD services as part of the protest.
Demonstrators continue their sit-in outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s House, vowing not to end the protest until the government withdraws its privatisation plans.
According to GHA representatives, police used water cannons to disperse peaceful protesters, prompting the alliance to warn of a strong reaction to any future government crackdowns.
Healthcare unions are firmly opposing the government’s decision to privatise public health services. Announced in March, the plan proposes outsourcing operations of Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs) — essential components of the province’s primary healthcare system.
In addition, the government’s announcement to privatise public hospitals has triggered widespread unrest among medical staff across Punjab.
The GHA, leading the resistance, began a sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly in Lahore on April 7, with the movement gaining momentum through the support of Public Services International (PSI) and its partner organisations.
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Funny how taxes are not lowered but hospitals are being privatized.
Govt spends almost nothing on health sector and wants public to pay taxes and also pay for medical care .
This is hell.
Kindly privatize military . That should be done immediately.. You’ll be saving alot of money .
All military officials would be private recruited instead of holding govt positions