HYDERABAD: A major healthcare crisis has unfolded at Liaquat University Hospital (LUH) and its affiliated institutions as doctors have completely boycotted outpatient departments (OPDs), bringing routine medical services to a grinding halt.
The protest action, led by the Young Doctors Association (YDA), comes in response to the provincial government's failure to address long-standing demands, including the regularization of contract doctors and payment of overdue salaries.
Widespread Service Disruption
The boycott has severely impacted all three major healthcare facilities under the LUH system:
- Liaquat University Hospital Main Campus
- Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro
- Indira Gandhi Children Hospital
Thousands of patients seeking routine medical care, follow-up consultations, and prescription renewals have been turned away from OPDs, creating chaotic scenes and forcing many to seek expensive private healthcare alternatives.
Core Demands of Protesting Doctors
Young Doctors Association leaders have articulated several critical issues driving the protest:
- Regularization of Services: Demanding permanent positions for doctors working on contract basis for extended periods
- Salary Payments: Addressing delays and non-payment of salaries to medical staff
- Service Structure: Implementation of proper career progression pathways
- Improved Working Conditions: Better facilities and resources for patient care
Patient Suffering Intensifies
The OPD boycott has created significant hardship for patients, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who rely on public healthcare facilities. Many have traveled long distances only to find closed doors and unavailable services.
"We understand the inconvenience to patients, but we have been left with no other option after repeated attempts to get our legitimate demands addressed," stated a YDA representative.
Emergency Services Continue
While OPD services remain suspended, the protesting doctors have ensured that emergency departments, intensive care units, and inpatient services continue to function normally. This measure aims to balance protest actions with maintaining critical life-saving services.
The healthcare administration has yet to issue an official statement regarding the resolution of the dispute, leaving patients and medical staff in a state of uncertainty about when normal services might resume.
