Patients in Pakistan may face disruption to routine medical care on 1 and 2 November 2026 after the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and other medical organisations announced a two-day countrywide protest. The announced action is expected to affect outpatient consultations and other non-emergency services at participating facilities.
The medical bodies have said emergency care should remain available at government hospitals. However, participation and service arrangements can differ from one hospital or city to another. Patients with appointments should contact their own hospital or clinic before travelling rather than assume that every department will operate normally or close completely.
Which hospital services may be affected?
The announced shutdown concerns routine healthcare services. Depending on the facility’s participation, patients may experience:
- Suspension or reduced hours for outpatient departments (OPDs).
- Cancellation or rescheduling of routine consultations.
- Delays to elective procedures and planned surgeries.
- Disruption to routine diagnostic tests and follow-up appointments.
- Temporary closure of private clinics and chambers that observe the protest.
The PMA’s stated position is that emergency services at government hospitals should continue. This should not be read as a guarantee that every hospital will have identical staffing or that all private facilities will follow the same arrangements.
What should patients do before visiting a hospital?
Anyone planning a routine visit on 1 or 2 November should take a few precautions:
- Call the hospital first: Confirm whether the relevant OPD, clinic, laboratory or specialist is available on the day.
- Check the appointment: Ask whether the appointment has been moved and whether a new date is required.
- Confirm planned procedures: Patients scheduled for elective surgery or a diagnostic procedure should speak directly with the treating facility.
- Keep medical records ready: Carry prescriptions, investigation reports and details of ongoing treatment if a visit is rearranged.
- Do not delay urgent care: A strike announcement is not a reason to postpone emergency treatment. Seek the nearest functioning emergency department if urgent symptoms develop.
For people who depend on regular medicines or follow-up care, it is sensible to contact the treating doctor or hospital in advance so that any necessary change can be made safely. Families can also read the latest child vaccination campaign guidance for November.
Why are doctors protesting?
The PMA and allied organisations have raised several concerns with federal and provincial authorities. Their objections include the Federal Board of Revenue’s enforcement of point-of-sale (POS) requirements at private clinics, tax-related inspections and raids, and the way criminal cases are registered after alleged medical negligence.
Medical representatives argue that allegations involving clinical complications should be assessed through an independent medical review and due legal process. They have also called for stronger institutional and physical security for healthcare professionals and facilities, and for legislation to protect healthcare workers.
These are the associations’ stated grievances and demands. The protest does not settle the underlying tax, regulatory or legal disputes; those matters require responses from the relevant authorities and proper legal processes.
What are the doctors asking the government to do?
The demands described by the medical bodies include:
- Reviewing the application of POS and retail-style tax requirements to medical practices.
- Ending what the associations describe as harassment of doctors during enforcement actions.
- Ensuring that allegations of medical negligence are assessed through appropriate medical and legal procedures.
- Improving security arrangements at public and private healthcare facilities.
- Advancing legal protection for healthcare professionals.
The organisations have said that further decisions about their protest movement will be considered at a PMA Central Council meeting scheduled for 28 November 2026.
Will every hospital close?
Not necessarily. A countrywide call by a professional association does not automatically mean that every hospital, department or private clinic will follow the same schedule. The level of participation may vary by province, city and institution. Some facilities may maintain limited services, while others may reschedule routine work.
Patients should therefore rely on direct confirmation from the hospital they intend to visit. If a routine appointment is cancelled, ask for the next available date and whether the treating team recommends any interim arrangement.
Emergency care should not be postponed
Chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, major bleeding, loss of consciousness, stroke symptoms, serious injuries and other potentially life-threatening problems require urgent medical assessment. Patients should seek emergency help immediately rather than wait for routine OPDs to reopen. The announced protest is directed at non-emergency services; it should never be interpreted as advice to delay necessary treatment.
The immediate priority for patients is to verify routine appointments before travelling and to use emergency services when urgent care is needed. A negotiated resolution between medical organisations and the authorities would help prevent further disruption while addressing the concerns raised by healthcare professionals.
Featured image: Usman Yousaf via Unsplash. Illustrative portrait of a healthcare professional; not a photograph of the announced protest or a particular hospital.