LAHORE: The city police on Sunday used pepper spray to disperse medical students who were protesting against the National Licensing Examination (NLE) outside an examination centre in Lahore.
According to details, the condition of five students deteriorated because of the pepper spray. They have been shifted to a hospital for medical treatment.
The medical students were holding a demonstration outside a centre in Lahore’s Garden Town against the National Licensing Examination (NLE), which has been made mandatory by the government.
The protesting doctors have warned of holding sit-in outside Islamabad Medical Complex (IMC) if the authorities fail to withdraw the decision regarding National Licensing Examination in 24 hours.
On Friday, police had resorted to baton-charging doctors protesting against the National Licensing Exam (NLE) in Lahore as clashes broke out when they tried to enter the examination centre.
A few policemen had fallen to the ground as a result of the scuffles. The Pakistan Medical Commission had cancelled that day’s paper in light of the situation. “NLE exam scheduled in Lahore at Saphirre Hall has been rescheduled for Sunday due to unavoidable reasons.” a PMC announcement had said.
According to media reports, all graduates who are currently undergoing house job or ready for it must have to clear the NLE exam. Both MBBS and BDS students must have to clear the NLE for their permanent job and medical practice in Pakistan. The move has encountered opposition from the medical fraternity.
The PMC had announced in July that exams for NLE will be carried out locally and internationally at designated PMC centres from August 20 to 27.
