YDA strike: Punjab government to hire ad-hoc doctors

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to hire ad-hoc doctors on a three year contract as the Young Doctors Association (YDA) continued their province wide strike on the 12th consecutive day.

According to sources, the Punjab government is also preparing a list of alternate senior doctors in case of a complete strike.

The provincial government has also directed if the need arises, interviews be conducted at teaching hospitals and successful applicants should be hired on the spot. A decision has also been made to provide protection to young doctors who are not taking part in the strike.

The decision to hire ad-hoc doctors was made by the Punjab government when the YDA rejected the enforcement of the Essential Services Act terming it a blackmailing tactic.