OPDs to open today as doctors call off strike

Govt assures medics it will address their issues

QUETTA: Doctors on Friday called off their 49-day strike and announced they will open the out-patient departments (OPDs) of government hospitals on Saturday (today) after successful negotiation between the Doctor Action Committee and the provincial government.

The government also decided to take back its earlier notification to take action against protesting doctors. “We understand difficulties of doctors and the agony Dr Khalil Ibrahim went through during his abduction,” said Health Minister Naseebullah Marri after the talks.



He was speaking to media together with Secretary Health Hafiz Abdul Majid and the Doctors Action Committee Chairman Dr Zahir Mandokhail on Friday. He said it is the responsibility of the state to ensure protection of all citizens.

“The government is ready to ensure provision of security to doctors. In this regard, a comprehensive policy is being constituted by government,” he added.

The Doctors Action Committee chairman said the government has assured them to address their issues. “After the government’s assurances, we have decided to end our strike. From tomorrow, doctors would start their practices and open OPDs,” he announced.