Doctors' protest over acid attack continues

YDA extends OPD shutdown, demands stronger security

QUETTA:

The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Balochistan has continued its strong protest against the acid attack on Dr Mah Noor, now entering its 19th day.

In a recent central meeting, the association decided to intensify the protest and announced that the closure of Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) in government hospitals would continue until their demands are met.

The YDA has accused the government of negligence and insensitivity, saying doctors are increasingly feeling insecure. The association is demanding the immediate removal of the Secretary of Health Balochistan and the Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the acid attack on Dr Mah Noor, and the prompt implementation of the Doctors Security Act.

According to the YDA, the protest camp at Civil Hospital Quetta remains in place. A Grand Doctors Conference is scheduled for June 29, followed by a major protest rally from Civil Hospital on June 30. Protests will also be held across government hospitals in the province on the same day.

Leaders of the association have vowed to continue the protest until effective security measures for doctors are ensured, those responsible for the attack are brought to justice, and meaningful reforms are introduced in the health department. They have appealed to doctors, medical organizations, and civil society across Balochistan to fully participate in the June 29 conference and the June 30 protest programs to express solidarity with Dr Mah Noor Nasir.

It may be mentioned here that the Balochistan government has decided to send Dr Mah Noor Nasir, who was critically injured in a brutal acid attack in Quetta, to the United States for better and more advanced medical care.