LAHORE: The Grand Health Alliance (GHA) Punjab has intensified its protest against the public hospital privatisation. The Health workers have shut down outpatient departments (OPDs) across government hospitals in the province.
Major hospitals like Jinnah Hospital, General Hospital, and Children’s Hospital have suspended OPD services.
The sit-in outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s House is ongoing. Protesters say they will not end the sit-in until the government withdraws the privatisation decision.
GHA claims police used water cannons to disperse peaceful protesters.
The alliance has warned the government against any forceful action. It says any such move will face a strong response.
Health workers’ unions are firmly opposing the privatisation plan. The government announced the policy in March. It aims to outsource operations at Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs) — both critical parts of Punjab’s primary healthcare system.
The government has also announced the privatisation of public hospitals. This move has triggered protests across the province.
GHA launched the sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly in Lahore on April 7. Support from Public Services International (PSI) and its affiliates is growing. The protest movement is gaining momentum.
