LAHORE: The young doctors observed a partial strike at the outpatient departments (OPDs) of the major teaching hospitals of Lahore in the wake of the mysterious death of a doctor at the Lady Willingdon Hospital’s hostel.

The medics suspended healthcare services, particularly at the OPDs of Lahore’s major government hospitals, including the Lady Willingdon, Lady Aitchison, Mayo, Services and Jinnah hospitals.

The strike was observed on the call of the Young Doctors Association’s Punjab chapter in protest against the mysterious death of Dr Naseem Ejaz, a young postgraduate doctor, who was found dead in her hostel room.

Some medics also informed the senior management of the King Edward Medical University (KEMU) about the “victimisation” of young doctors and other staffers at the Lady Willingdon Hospital.

They alleged that Dr Naseem had been denied salary for the last five months, adding that the deceased was facing financial issues and was under a lot of stress, but the professor heading the unit remained unmoved by her plight.

The YDA leaders demanded departmental action against the professor and other senior medics, holding them responsible for the death of Dr Naseem.

They warned of expanding the scope of agitation to other hospitals of Punjab, if their demands were not met.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2023