MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The United Doctors Forum (UDF) has warned of a strike and closure of the entire Outpatient Departments (OPDs) across Azad Kashmir, in case their problems are not resolved.
Addressing a press conference in Muzaffarabad today, the UDF announced that it would turn its protest into a full-fledged movement against what it termed a serious administrative crisis in the health department.
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The UDF Chairman, Dr. Wajid, along with other leaders, demanded the immediate appointment of a Director General of Health and the removal of all obstacles hindering the promotion process of doctors.
They stated that promotions have remained frozen since 2019, resulting in severe professional and financial distress among doctors.
The forum further said that despite the Supreme Court order, doctors’ salary arrears have yet to be paid, forcing them to protest.
The leaders accused the government of deliberately delaying the implementation of court decisions, further aggravating the situation.
The UDF chairman added that if the problems of the doctors are not resolved by January 26, a two-hour strike will be called. Despite this, if attention is not paid at the government level, the entire OPDs will be closed after February 2.
The leaders say that despite the court decisions, the government is reluctant to implement them, due to which the problems have become more serious.
Dr. Wajid stated that after a recent meeting, we have informed the Chief Secretary about the problems and hope that the problems will be resolved now, but warned that doctors will unite and struggle for their rights if no concrete action is taken.
He said that governments are changing, but our problems remain the same. “Our patience has run out, and now we will unite and get our rights.”
