Peaceful Protest Turns Chaotic on Mall Road as Young Doctors Demonstrate Against Hospital Outsourcing
Lahore – A protest led by young doctors turned tense on Mall Road on Friday as law enforcement officials used water cannons to disperse demonstrators opposing the proposed outsourcing of public hospitals. The situation became critical when two participants, including Dr. Shoaib Niazi, President of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab, reportedly lost consciousness during the dispersal effort, according to Dawn.
The protest began after Friday prayers, with a sizable group of doctors, nurses, and paramedics marching from Charing Cross towards the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. This demonstration followed earlier announcements by YDA leadership to intensify opposition to healthcare privatization efforts.
Despite a significant police presence and requests for the demonstration to remain within Charing Cross, the protesters proceeded with their planned march. Clashes reportedly broke out as demonstrators neared restricted areas. Eyewitnesses claimed that police used force, followed by water cannons, in an attempt to control the crowd. Social media footage appeared to show Dr. Niazi lying on the road after the confrontation.
While authorities stated that the water cannons were of low pressure and only intended to disperse the crowd safely, some protestors alleged the water may have been chemically tainted, a claim that law enforcement strongly denied. Officials suggested that the fainting incidents could be linked to exhaustion or an effort to attract media attention.
Addressing reporters after the incident, Dr. Niazi reaffirmed the association’s commitment to continue the protest, announcing plans for strikes in hospital Outpatient Departments (OPDs) if their concerns are not addressed.
In a related development, medical staff at Lahore General Hospital (LGH) temporarily shut down OPD services and some wards, expressing solidarity with two employees who were reportedly suspended over their support for the movement. According to reports, OPD rooms were locked and some patients were redirected, leading to a disruption in routine hospital services.
Meanwhile, female demonstrators reportedly staged a peaceful sit-in at Club Chowk and near the Alhamra building, continuing to call for dialogue and a reversal of the outsourcing policy.
The situation remains under close observation, with both sides urging calm and a resolution through mutual understanding.
