t is clear that the PMA is violating its duty and discipline.
QUETTA: Doctors in Balochistan are striking against the abduction of their colleague Dr Saeed Khan, who was kidnapped for ransom. They have had full support from the people of the province, journalist organisations, political parties, the civil society, law and bar associations, trade unions, chambers of commerce, transport and hotel associations, youth and student organisations, etc. Many rallies calling for the release of Dr Saeed have been held, which have been well attended by the common people. If the people are completely behind Dr Saeed and want him recovered as soon as possible, I fail to understand why they have to bear the brunt of the backlash that has been witnessed against his abduction, from the doctors’ community of Balochistan.
A very negative tactic of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has been to close OPDs in protest against the abduction that has led to the poor people of the province suffering. There have now been reports that senior doctors of the PMA have called the strike ostensibly to get Dr Saeed released but in reality to run their own private practices, which have benefited due to the strike in hospitals. It is clear that the PMA is violating its duty and discipline. The government must take strict action and ensure Dr Saeed’s recovery as well as make sure that the striking doctors come back to their duties.
Malik Achakzai
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2012.
