The Punjab Health Department has announced the suspension of salaries for doctors, nurses, and allied health workers participating in the ongoing protests led by the Grand Health Alliance.
The alliance, a coalition of healthcare professionals, intensified its demonstration today by staging a sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly against the privatisation of the health facilities in the province. As a result, outpatient departments (OPDs) in major government hospitals across Punjab remained closed, severely disrupting medical services.
Reacting swiftly, the Health Department issued clear instructions to the medical superintendents of all government hospitals, directing them to immediately halt the salaries of healthcare workers who were absent from their duties without official approval.
Officials stated that salaries would only be restored once the absent staff return to their posts and resume their responsibilities.
In addition to the salary suspensions, the department has imposed a complete ban on leaves for all doctors, nurses, and allied health staff during the protest period. Medical personnel have been ordered to return to work immediately, with the warning that those who fail to comply could face further disciplinary actions.
