Doctors allege Balochistan govt neglected their safety

"Doctors currently operating in a sense of fear"

QUETTA: Bolan Medical Teachers Association (BMTA) on Tuesday alleged that the government is unable to provide doctors with protective kits, security equipment and medicines for the infected medical staff nor was any quarantine arrangements made for their families.

"Corona-infected medical staff and their families had demanded for the provision of adequate isolation and quarantine facilities, but the demands are yet to be fulfilled," said Dr Zahir Mandokhel, the President of Bolan Medical Teachers Association and Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital during a press conference held at Quetta Press Club.

“Attack on doctors and staff after the death of a coronavirus patient at Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital in Quetta is condemnable. If this persists then it will not be possible to perform duties.”

Dr Shereen Khan, Dr Khan Babar, Dr Maqbool Langove and Dr Farooq accompanied the association president. Mandokhel said that after a coronavirus patient died in the hospital, her relatives attacked the ICU and broke glass windows.

"Doctors are currently operating in a sense of fear and despite the problems they are providing service to the public. The doctors pooled in money to buy safety kits but they are inadequate. We have given suggestions to the government in this regard also,” they added.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2020.