Protest by nurses outside the Punjab Assembly entered its third day on Wednesday hampering traffic and creating nuisance for commuters.
No one from the government has approached the protesting paramedics to hear their grievances as yet.
The nurses’ strike in hospitals severely affected service delivery in hospitals, while their protest demonstration and sit-in on The Mall in front of Punjab Assembly hampered smooth flow of traffic.
The nurses’ strike also caused postponement of several minor elective surgeries in public sector hospitals of Lahore. Carrying placards and banners inscribed with their demands, nurses chanted slogans against the government for denying their right of service structure and Health Professional Allowance (HPA).
On Tuesday, the nurses’ sit-in at Faisal Chowk caused a traffic mess on The Mall and adjoining roads. The closure of Faisal Chowk and Queens’ Road from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to The Mall caused diversion of traffic on adjoining roads that led to a massive traffic jam. Ambulances were seen stuck in traffic jam.
Their protest continued till late night as negotiations with the government officials remained inconclusive. The Young Nurses Association has announced continuing the sit-in till acceptance of all demands. YNA President Rozina Manzoor said that the HPA of merely Rs 1,500 was not enough for nurses who care for patients.