Balochistan Doctors' Strike Enters 21st Day, OPDs Still Closed

Balochistan Doctors' Strike Enters 21st Day, Government OPDs Remain Closed

Quetta: The protest launched by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and the Young Doctors Association (YDA) against the acid attack on Dr. Mah Noor entered its 21st day, resulting in the continued closure of outpatient departments (OPDs) in government hospitals across Balochistan on Sunday.

The prolonged suspension of OPD services left thousands of patients, particularly the poor, elderly, women, and children, without routine medical treatment, forcing many to return home without receiving medical consultation. However, emergency wards, indoor services, operation theatres, and dialysis units remained fully functional.

Doctors' Demands

A spokesperson for the Pakistan Medical Association Quetta Zone stated that although three weeks have passed since the acid attack on Dr. Mah Noor, neither have those responsible been brought to justice nor has there been any meaningful progress on the doctors' legitimate demands.

The PMA has demanded a transparent and impartial judicial inquiry into the incident. It also called for the removal of the Provincial Health Secretary and the Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Quetta from their positions until the investigation is completed to ensure that the inquiry remains free from any influence.

Protest Over Suspension of More Than 30 Doctors

The PMA also strongly criticized the Government of Balochistan for suspending more than 30 senior doctors and officials and initiating departmental proceedings against them.

According to the association, the decision is not only unfair but also amounts to an insult to the entire medical community.

Islamabad Long March Under Consideration

The PMA has convened a General Body meeting on Monday at Civil Hospital Quetta, where members will decide on the next phase of the protest.

According to sources, proposals, including an Islamabad long march and expanding the protest movement, will be discussed during the meeting.

The association has also announced a protest rally at Civil Hospital Quetta on Tuesday and appealed to all doctors and medical organizations to participate actively.

Call for Negotiations and Justice

The PMA appealed to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, the Chief Secretary, the Provincial Health Minister, and the Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court to intervene immediately.

The association stated that doctors are demanding only the protection of their lives, a transparent investigation, and justice.

It further urged the government to resolve the issue through negotiations so that full medical services can be restored to the public as soon as possible.