KARACHI: The doctors are protesting against ‘unfair FIRs, harassment and FBR’s POS policy across Pakistan today (Monday), ARY News reported.
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has announced a two-day suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services at public and private hospitals, as well as private clinics across Pakistan.
According to an official statement from PMA Karachi, the decision followed directives from the association’s central leadership and a unanimous resolution adopted by doctors nationwide on October 29.
OPD services and private clinics are closed today across Pakistan including Karachi, while emergency departments at all hospitals will continue operating as usual to ensure uninterrupted treatment for patients requiring urgent medical attention.
PMA stated that the protest was being organised against four major concerns affecting the medical community, including:
Registration of allegedly unjustified FIRs against doctors. Legal complications and proceedings involving medical professionals.
Alleged humiliation and harassment of doctors. The Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) compulsory implementation of the Point of Sale (POS) system.
In a joint statement, PMA Karachi President Dr Muhammad Ismail Memon and General Secretary Dr Shahid Ibrahim MAMSA asserted that protecting doctors’ dignity, professional independence and legitimate rights was essential.
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The association has urged doctors, healthcare institutions and relevant professional organisations to support the collective decision and ensure the effective implementation of the two-day shutdown.
PMA Karachi reiterated that although routine outpatient services would remain suspended, emergency medical facilities would continue functioning to prevent inconvenience to patients requiring immediate treatment.
The association maintained that the protest was aimed at drawing attention to the concerns of the medical community and securing appropriate action from the relevant authorities.
