Doctors across Pakistan have gone on strike in protest against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), bringing healthcare services to a standstill in major hospitals across the country. The strike, which began on Monday, has affected outpatient departments (OPDs), elective surgeries, and routine consultations, leaving thousands of patients in distress.
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and other doctors’ bodies have called for the strike, demanding the withdrawal of what they describe as unjust taxes and regulations imposed by the FBR on the medical profession. Doctors argue that the new measures, including increased taxes on medical services and equipment, will make healthcare more expensive and inaccessible for ordinary citizens.
“We are not against paying taxes, but the FBR’s policies are unfair and will burden both doctors and patients,” said a senior PMA official. “The government must reconsider these measures and engage in meaningful dialogue with the medical community.”
The strike has had a severe impact on public hospitals in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other major cities, where OPDs remained closed and only emergency services were operational. Patients who had travelled long distances for treatment were turned away, while those already admitted faced delays in their care.
“I came here from a village outside Karachi for my mother’s check-up, but the doctors are on strike,” said a patient’s relative at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. “We don’t know what to do now. The government should resolve this issue immediately.”
Doctors have also expressed concerns about the FBR’s move to bring medical professionals under a new tax regime, which they say fails to account for the unique nature of healthcare services. They argue that doctors already pay significant taxes and that additional levies will discourage young professionals from entering the field.
The strike comes at a time when Pakistan’s healthcare system is already under strain, with shortages of doctors, nurses, and medical supplies in many parts of the country. Critics warn that the prolonged strike could worsen the situation, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses who rely on regular check-ups and medication.
Private hospitals have also been affected, with many doctors in private practice joining the strike in solidarity. However, some private clinics remained open, charging higher fees as demand surged.
The FBR, in a statement, defended its policies, saying that the new tax measures are necessary to broaden the tax base and ensure that all sectors contribute fairly to the national exchequer. The board also urged doctors to end the strike and return to work, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed through dialogue.
“We understand the concerns of the medical community, but a strike is not the solution,” an FBR spokesperson said. “We are willing to sit down with doctors’ representatives and find a mutually acceptable solution.”
Despite the FBR’s assurances, doctors’ bodies have said that the strike will continue until their demands are met. They have called on the government to immediately withdraw the controversial taxes and to form a committee to review the taxation of medical services.
The strike has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting the doctors’ cause and others criticising them for disrupting essential services. Many patients have expressed frustration at being caught in the middle of the dispute.
“Doctors have a right to protest, but patients should not suffer,” said a citizen in Lahore. “The government and doctors need to resolve this quickly, before more people are affected.”
Health experts have warned that if the strike continues, it could lead to a public health crisis, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is already limited. They have called on both sides to prioritise patient welfare and to reach a resolution as soon as possible.
The Pakistan Medical Association has also raised concerns about the safety of doctors, citing increasing incidents of violence against healthcare workers. They have demanded better security in hospitals and stricter laws to protect medical professionals.
Meanwhile, the government has said that it is monitoring the situation closely and is in contact with doctors’ representatives. Officials have hinted that a meeting between the FBR and PMA could take place in the coming days to discuss the issue.
As the strike enters its second day, patients across the country are hoping for a swift resolution. For now, however, hospitals remain overwhelmed, with emergency departments struggling to cope with the influx of patients.
The strike has also highlighted broader issues within Pakistan’s healthcare system, including underfunding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of support for medical professionals. Doctors say that these issues need to be addressed as part of any long-term solution.
“This is not just about taxes,” said a young doctor in Islamabad. “It’s about the future of healthcare in Pakistan. We need a system that supports doctors and ensures quality care for patients.”
As the standoff continues, both the government and doctors’ bodies are under pressure to find a compromise. For patients, however, the wait continues, with many hoping that the strike will end soon and that normal services will resume.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the strike can be resolved through negotiation or whether it will escalate further, causing even greater disruption to Pakistan’s already fragile healthcare system.
