In an effort to contribute something meaningful to this discussion, I will attempt to shed some light on some very important ideas. I would further like to add that this is my first post to thepakpolitics and I would like to say I'm delighted to be a part of this small but intellectual group. The discussions here are wholesome and fascinating and I would like to do my best to levitate this forum to a higher degree of respect.
Criticism is healthy and sometimes a necessity. Judging by the nature of the strike or at least the industry in question in particular, there is a type of "catch 22" when it comes to deciding who is at fault and which side is to blame. No doubt, the medical profession is one of great responsibility. However, I would like to believe that a healthy environment for doctors (pardon the pun) is one in which they can thrive and contribute to the general betterment of their work. This notion in turn would also carry over to better the quality of health care a patient may receive. To put it simply, what I am trying to imply is: You're damned if you do, You're damned if you don't. Allow me to explain. In the medical industry, since a doctor has an inherent responsibility to care for his/her patients, it would seem unwise and perhaps immoral to "strike" over something and cease to report to work, as this obviously contributes to suffering of the patients that need care. On the contrary, it would be wise to engage in discussion with the authorities while continuing to practice their profession. This would be the common expectation of people, or at least the ideal way to find a way to resolve the issues at hand.
HOWEVER, (with great emphasis)
What is the demand? The demand is for a service structure. This encompasses the process of promotion, the process of governance/regulation, and also the process of compensation i.e. salaries.
Why has this demand come to light? Ponder over this for a moment, the health sector in punjab is ungoverned. Since there is no official assignment of portfolio to a designated official, it falls on the lap of the cheif minister. Granted, there is a standing committee in place, that too, chaired by a lawyer, but a committee itself cannot replace a single head officer with the sole responsibility of maintaining the sector. As witnessed in a number of occurrences, when trouble brews in punjab, the CM is on the scene. I would like to extend my gratitude to the CM on his astuteness and his readily available willingness to dive into matters (with sleeves rolled ((literally)) in punjab. Similarly, I would blast the CM's indignant behaviour and irresponsibility of trying to "personally" handle matters he is not qualified to handle. The CM in today's punjab has power to simply intervene and shuffle groups/doctors/health institutions over a whim without oversight. The existence of this simple fact facilitates nepotism and corruption on many levels. But I digress. Going back to the initial question stating why has this demand come to light? I would summarize it and justify it by saying, although the health sector of the province lacks an authority figure or head, an established service structure without interference would allow the YDA to operate as a division of the province should. (efficiently, and with effectiveness)
Yes, the YDA is demanding more money, to put it crudely. However, I presume we can all agree the health sector in punjab deserves more money (generally speaking) rather than for example a severely expensive and wasteful distribution of laptops program.
Again, I would like to re-iterate, you're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't. (in context to the strike of YDA)