5 dead amid doctors' strike in Punjab

At least five patients have died across Punjab when doctors went on strike to show solidarity with the Young Doctors Association (YDA) leaders arrested in Lahore. According to sources in Faisalabad's Allied Hospital, four patients including a female minor and a woman died while the doctors went on strike. Young doctors serving in Faisalabad’s Civil Hospital also gave up on their duties as a protest against the apprehension of their Lahori associates, Pakistani media reported. Doctors still persist on their strike after more than two weeks, which has led to a strong stance by the government as it was forced to suspend 24 doctors accused of inciting a protest from others and arrested several others. On the other hand, the Punjab government has enlisted Pakistan's Army doctors in regional hospitals to continue with the treatment process and ensure the availability of medical services for patients who are facing major difficulties. The doctors began working Sunday morning, but hospitals are still facing a shortage.