YDA demands 15-day curfew in Balochistan

Young Doctors Association expresses concern over rise in cases after easing of restrictions

QUETTA: Young Doctors Association of Balochistan has expressed grave concerns over the rapid spread of coronavirus at the local level, following the easing of lockdown and demanded the government to impose a 15-day curfew and complete lockdown across the province.

“If the situation remains the same, there will be less space in hospitals. Due to a low budget, the condition of Balochistan Health Department is unsatisfactory. 300 to 400 tests a day are insufficient. This is a matter of concern. We cannot wait any longer. Doctors and health care providers who died of coronavirus shall be declared martyrs,” Young Doctors Association President Dr. Yasir Achakzai and other doctors said while addressing a press conference in Civil Hospital Quetta on Sunday.

They added that YDA Balochistan Grand Health Alliance supports all the demands of Punjab. “Coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Balochistan due to the softening of lockdown, which has increased the number of cases in four days. We not only  suggest a complete lockdown across the province but a curfew should also be imposed in the entire province for 15 days as it is the only way to prevent this virus.”

The YDA president further said, “The government will have to take tough decisions regarding the lockdown. If measures are not taken, there will be less space in hospitals and precious lives will be lost. Doctors and healthcare providers are on the front lines for the prevention and treatment of coronavirus. At present, 31 doctors have been infected, five paramedics and other staffers are suffering from it as well.”

He also disclosed how there is lack of facilities in the hospitals and there is no access to oxygen for ventilators. “On the contrary, the oxygen plant in Sheikh Zayed Hospital is not functional, due to which the ventilators are being supplied with oxygen cylinders.”

Demanding a huge amount be allocated for health in the next budget, he said, the doctors from all over are protesting against the non-provision of facilities in hospitals and we support all their demands.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2020.