While expressing its displeasure over continuous protests by the doctors, the Lahore High Court (LHC) Thursday remarked that those who protested should be transferred to far-off areas, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

LHC judge Justice Shahid Karim conducted hearing on all the petitions including that of Mazhar Abbas.

Secretary Specialised Healthcare Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi and CEO Healthcare Commission Dr Saqib Aziz appeared before the court.

Ahmed Javed Qazi presented a comprehensive plan regarding the improvement of facilities in emergency wards of hospitals and told the court that an ad had been advertised in the newspaper for recruitment against various positions.

“Moreover, the ban on recruitment from grade 5 to 15 has also been lifted, and the process for the recruitment of thousands of doctors and nurses has been started,” he added.

He also informed the court that recommendations had been sent to the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) for the recruitment of doctors and other paramedical staff, adding that a permanent committee had also been formed for the monitoring of the hospitals.

“By the end of January 2023, the process of appointing DG Hota will also be completed,” he continued.

On the other hand, CEO Healthcare Commission Dr Saqib Aziz told the court that the rules and regulations guidelines had been approved to improve the emergency wards of the hospitals.

Justice Shahid Karim asked the CEO Healthcare Commission to ensure their implementation if those guidelines were approved.

He also directed him to fix the treatment and test charges of private hospitals.

The LHC judge also asked from Specialised Healthcare secretary about the purpose of the doctors’ protest, stating that there was no place for the protesting doctors [at hospitals].

The court also directed regular inspection for the implementation of the emergency guidelines, adding that the court be informed if there was any budget issue.

The court also ordered the CEO Healthcare Commission to establish an effective system for addressing the complaints.

The court then adjourned further hearing of the case till January 19 and sought a report of implementation on next hearing.

Reporter: Malik Ashraf