Target killings: Doctors demand release of compensation funds

PMA threatens to go on strike if demands not met

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has demanded the Sindh government to release compensation for families of doctors shot dead in targeted killings in 2014.

PMA threatened that if the amount is not released it will go on a strike in 15 days.

"We are upset with the government's attitude," said PMA Karachi president Dr Shoukat Ali Malik. "The families of the deceased need the support that was promised to them."



On February 2, 2015, PMA called a strike against the targeted killing of doctors. However, Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah intervened and assured doctors that the families of the deceased would be compensated, said Dr Malik. "Nothing has been done so far," Dr Malik claimed. He said that total 55 doctors were shot dead in 2014, but documents of 34 families had been provided to the government for compensation.

PMA had demanded Rs10 million for each family, but the authorities promised Rs2 million, he claimed.

"The government should not compel us to announce a strike," said PMA central general secretary Dr Mirza Ali Azhar. Despite the tall claims by the CM, not a single demand has been met, he added.

The doctors don't want to go on strikes as they create problems for the citizens, said PMA, Karachi, general secretary Dr Ahmed Bhimani. "The civil society should play its role in helping us," he requested.  Dr Malik said the provincial government has 15 days to release the amount. "We may announce another strike call after the deadline," he announced.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd,  2016.