Doctors Suspend OPD Services Nationwide Over FIRs And Harassment

According to an official statement issued by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Karachi, the protest follows directives from the association’s central leadership and a unanimous resolution adopted by doctors nationwide on October 29.

OPD services and private clinics remained closed across the country, including Karachi, on Monday. However, emergency departments at all hospitals continued operating as usual to ensure uninterrupted treatment for patients requiring urgent medical attention.

The PMA said the protest was being held over four major concerns affecting the medical community: the registration of allegedly unjustified FIRs against doctors, legal complications and proceedings involving medical professionals, alleged humiliation and harassment of doctors, and the FBR’s compulsory implementation of the POS system.

In a joint statement, PMA Karachi President Dr Muhammad Ismail Memon and General Secretary Dr Shahid Ibrahim MAMSA said protecting doctors’ dignity, professional independence and legitimate rights was essential.

The association urged doctors, healthcare institutions and relevant professional organisations to support the collective decision and ensure effective implementation of the two-day suspension.

The PMA reiterated that while routine outpatient services would remain suspended, emergency facilities would continue functioning to avoid disruption in urgent medical care.

It said the protest was intended to draw the authorities’ attention to the medical community’s concerns and seek appropriate action from the relevant quarters.