QUETTA(National Times)- Thousands of poor patients across Balochistan were left stranded without medical care on Sunday as outpatient departments (OPDs) in government hospitals remained closed amid a doctors’ strike over an acid attack on a female colleague.
The strike, led by the Pakistan Medical Association’s Quetta Zone and the Young Doctors Association, entered its 21st day.
While emergency units, indoor wards, operation theatres, and dialysis centres remain functional, the suspension of outpatient services has forced many elderly people, women, and children to return home without treatment, while attendants expressed frustration over the prolonged disruption of services.
In a statement, a PMA Quetta Zone spokesperson expressed grave concern over the lack of progress in investigating the “inhumane acid attack”.
Despite the passage of three weeks, the spokesperson said, the Balochistan government has neither brought the culprits to task nor seriously addressed the doctors’ demands.
The association called its demands constitutional and reasonable, seeking a transparent and impartial judicial inquiry into the incident.
It also demanded the removal of the provincial health secretary and the medical superintendent of Civil Hospital Quetta until the inquiry is completed to prevent any interference.
The PMA further criticised the government for suspending and initiating disciplinary action against more than 30 senior doctors and officers, terming the move unjust and insulting to the entire medical fraternity.
A general body meeting of PMA members will be held at Civil Hospital Quetta on Monday to decide the future course of action, which could include a long march to Islamabad and an expansion of the protest.
Additionally, a protest rally will be held at the hospital on Tuesday, with doctors and medical organisations urged to participate in large numbers to demonstrate unity and professional dignity.
The PMA appealed to the Balochistan chief minister, chief secretary, provincial health minister, and the chief justice of Balochistan to take immediate notice of the matter and ensure fair action.
“The doctors are only demanding security for their lives, transparent investigations and justice,” the statement said, adding that the government should resolve the issue through dialogue instead of delays so full medical services can be restored for the public.
