Patients stranded as doctors protest colleague’s murder

Dr Syed Jamal was killed by his kidnap­pers on Januar­y 5.

SWAT:

The people of Swat, who already face a multitude of problems, were dealt another blow on Monday when doctors closed all private clinics to protest against the ruthless murder of their colleague.

Doctors held a protest at Saidu Sharif Central Hospital and announced a three-day mourning to protest a cardiologist’s death who was abducted from Peshawar last year.

“It is a shame that a doctor was kidnapped in broad daylight in the first place. However, the fact that the police could not trace the kidnappers is even more shocking,” said Swat Doctors’ Association President Dr Liaquat.

“The government assured us of his safe release but they failed to do so. Now we want the government to arrest the culprits immediately and serve justice,” he added.

The patients, who had come from far-flung areas, were deeply troubled to find the clinics closed.

“My mother is admitted in a private hospital and lying helpless in bed while the doctors are on strike. We are poor people and will have to pay the day’s charges which is not fair,” said Wazir Muhammad, a local resident.

Similarly, 70-year-old Qavi, who had walked for five hours all the way from her village for treatment was distressed to discover that doctors were not available. “I had reserved a number for my treatment in advance. Now I don’t know how to return for a medical check-up,” she said.

Dr Syed Jamal, a cardiologist, was kidnapped from Peshawar two months back and killed on January 5. His body was found in Jamrud, Khyber Agency.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2012.