YDA postpones protest after CM’s assurance

Orders issued to overcome shortage of doctors at govt hospitals, improve health system

QUETTA: The Young Doctors Association (YDA) of Balochistan has postponed its protest for three days after Chief Minister Jam Kamal assured it that the government would address doctors’ problems on priority.

YDA spokesman Dr Rahim Khan Babar in a statement said a delegation of doctors met the chief minister at the Bolan Medical Complex Hospital. The delegation was led by Dr Yasir Achakzai.

Balochistan Assembly Deputy Speaker Sardar Babar Musa Khel, Minister for Social Welfare Asad Baloch and Special Secretary Health Tahir Abbasi were also present on the occasion.

The delegation informed Jam Kamal about the problems faced by doctors during coronavirus pandemic. The CM later ordered the authorities concerned to provide facilities to medics on immediate basis.

"Orders have been issued to the chief secretary to address the issue of shortage of doctors [at government hospitals] and to improve the health system," Kamal said.

He assured the delegation that all facilities will be provided to the doctors to help them perform their duties. Dr Yasir Achakzai on the occasion said they are always ready for talks to address concerns.

"More than 12 doctors have been infected with the coronavirus so far. These doctors are either admitted to the Shaikh Zayed hospital or convalescing in home isolation," YDA spokesman said.

The statement said on the assurance of the chief minister, the YDA has decided to postpone its protest for three days. The YDA hopes that the CM will take the matter seriously and take practical steps, it said.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2020.