ISLAMABAD: Employees of five hospitals in the federal capital on Friday observed a two-hour token strike demanding restoration of the health risk allowance.

Employees of Pims, Polyclinic, National Institute of Health and other health facilities, including the District Health Office, observed a strike from 8am to 10am and kept the outpatient departments (OPDs) closed. The protesters said they would observe a partial strike on Saturday and if no action was taken would go on a complete strike. They demanded immediate restoration of the health risk allowance, which was suspended in 2015.

Meanwhile, according to a press release, a delegation from the employees` associations of hospitals met senior officials of the Ministry of National Health Services on Friday and discussed challenges faced by the healthcare staff and the need for restoration of the health risk allowance.

The delegation said in the light of rising inflation, the health risk allowance should be restored. They urged the government to consider the difficulties faced by healthcare workers and reinstate the allowance immediately.

After hearing the delegation`s concerns, the senior officials promised full support for the employees` legitimate demands. The officials affirmed that it would extend all possible cooperation and facilitate the matter with the Ministry of Finance to ensure a timely resolution of the issue.