LAHORE: Two factions of doctors clashed at the King Edward Medical University (KEMU) on Monday while the KEMU teachers tendered en bloc resignation in the academic council meeting in protest at hooliganism of some doctors, associated with the Young Doctors` Association (YDA).

The clash stemmed from rallies one by the YDA against teachers and the other by junior doctors, mostly the postgraduate trainees, in the favour of their medical teachers.

Tensions griped the institute shortly after a group of YDA activists occupied the KEMU vice-chancellor (VC) office, where the 56th meeting of the academic council was in progress. A brawl erupted when a group of junior doctors and post-graduate trainees turned up there showing their favour towards medical teachers. Both groups clashed the whole day.

Three medics suffered minor injuries.

The participants of the academic council meeting were discussing the detention of Professor of pediatrics Dr Akmal Laeeg in his room, allegedly by the YDA.

Headed by KEMU VC Prof DrFaisal Masood, the meeting was attended by pro-vice chancellor Prof Dr Kazi Saeed, Registrar Prof Dr Atif Kazmi, Prof Dr Asad Aslam, Prof Dr Khalid Masood Gondal, Prof Dr Abrar Ashraf, Prof Dr Ayesha Shaukat, Prof Dr Arshad Chohan, Prof Dr Irshad Hussain, Prof Dr Aftab Asif, Prof Dr Ashraf Sultan and Prof Dr Riaz Warraich.

On finding the YDA aggressive, senior teachers left the meeting and joined the junior doctors. They demanded that the KEMUexpel from university those YDA activists responsible for this sorry state of affairs.

They condemned the incident, saying the YDA had done the same with three othersenior doctorsin the past.

`We`ll not resume our work till legal and departmental action is taken against the YDA activists,` said a message by the meeting participants.

The KEMU administration also confirmed about en bloc resignation, saying it was due to the humiliation by the YDA.

Several junior doctors and postgraduate trainees backed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan and the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Lahore chapter, also joined demonstrations in the support of senior doctors.

Chaos ruled the institute from 9am to 4pm and the administration called the police. A large contingent remained present at the college with-out taking any action.

Two injured medics got their medico-legal reports and filed an application against YDA men for a criminal case.

The KEMU administration said in a statement the council had constituted a disciplinary committee to probe into the detention of Dr laeeg in his office by the doctors.

Headed by Prof Arshad Chohan, the committee consists of Prof Syed Asghar Nagi and Prof Aftab Asif.

Also, a four-member negotiating committee was made. It consists of of Prof Asad Aslam Khan, Prof Riaz Ahmed Warriach, Prof Irshad Hussain Qureshi and Prof Maroof Aziz Khan.

The council asked the committees to submit reports and recommendations at the earliest.

YDA Punjab president Dr Ajmal Chaudhry blamed the PMA for creating mess and differences between YDA doctors and senior teachers.

`We believe in dignity and respect of senior medical teachers,` Dr Chaudhry said, adding that the association would not allow those elements who wanted to create hurdles in the career progression of FCPS, part 1, trainees.

He said the induction of young doctors as post-graduate trainees for a higher qualification was their fundamental right but some people were not allowing them to join the departments in the Mayo Hospital.