In protest: Assault on doctor sparks outcry

The body also called for govt to take measures for preventing the occurrence of other similar incidents in the future

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has condemned in strong words the shooting of a doctor at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases by a counter-terrorism department official, terming the act “absolutely not acceptable.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, the PMA pointed out that the doctors were already working in unfavourable conditions and this kind of “gundaism” [thuggish behaviour] would make things even more difficult for them.

“Presently, we doctors are treating patients putting our own lives at risk. Doctors are under tremendous stress not just with regards to their workload but also with respect to the circumstances in which they are compelled to perform their duties…, [including the] non-provision of required security measures, scarcity of medicines and above all, [the] hostile attitude of patients’ attendants,” the PMA stated.

Demanding proper inquiry into the incident and penalising the offender, the body also called for the Sindh government and law enforcement agencies to take measures for preventing the occurrence of other similar incidents in the future. It has also demanded that the injured doctor be provided the best possible medical care.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2020.