3 patients die in violent clash at Pakistan cardiology hospital

At least 80 lawyers have been arrested after a violent altercation between attorneys and physicians left three patients dead at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore, Pakistan, the New York Times reports.

The brawl lasted for hours on Dec. 11, according to the Times, and began when hundreds of local lawyers forced their way into the hospital, damaging equipment and smashing windows in an effort to avenge an attack by doctors and staff at the Punjab Institute in November. A lawyer allegedly visited the hospital last month to visit a relative, but ended up arguing with staff and asked colleagues for support.

“The heated exchange turned violent, and the hospital staff and doctors injured three lawyers at the hospital building,” the Times wrote, noting the lawyers said they felt “provoked” by the doctors.

Riot police reportedly used tear gas, water cannons and batons to break up the fight. By the time the dust had settled, three patients had died.

Read the full report below:

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After graduating from Indiana University-Bloomington with a bachelor’s in journalism, Anicka joined TriMed’s Chicago team in 2017 covering cardiology. Close to her heart is long-form journalism, Pilot G-2 pens, dark chocolate and her dog Harper Lee.

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