PMA announces two-day strike over FBR measures
Medical body says POS requirements could raise treatment costs; emergency services to continue on Nov 1 and 2 IV Report KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Thursday announced a two-day nationwide strike on November 1 and 2 against the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Point of Sale (POS) measures for private clinics, criminal cases against doctors following adverse medical outcomes, and growing incidents of violence against healthcare professionals. The association said all services, except emergency care, would remain suspended during the strike. It warned of a nationwide protest movement if the government failed to address its demands, with further action to be decided at the PMA Central Council meeting on November 28. The announcement followed a consultative meeting of senior office-bearers, who subsequently addressed a press conference at PMA House to outline their concerns about doctors’ working conditions and the implications for healthcare delivery. The ...