In the wake of frequent strikes by doctors, interns and nurses at hospitals, the High Court yesterday issued a rule upon the authorities concerned to explain in two weeks why they should not be directed to stop such work stoppages that cause suffering to patients.

Public university teachers yesterday extended the pause of their indefinite work stoppage over "discrepancies" in the new pay scale until February 23.

Patients suffered immensely as doctors at public hospitals across the country observed a two-hour work stoppage yesterday protesting “discrepancies” in the eighth national pay scale.