YDA threatens to close OPDs in Punjab
Other medical groups also condemn arrests.
LAHORE:
Various groups representing medical professionals have condemned the arrest of protesting doctors in Balochistan on Monday.
The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab announced that it would close the outpatient departments at all public hospitals in the province if the 60 arrested doctors were not released in 24 hours.
YDA Punjab President Dr Hamid Butt, addressing a press conference at Services Hospital, said the Balochistan government had failed to protect the people of the province. He said that doctors in the province had been protesting peacefully for the release of a colleague. He said that the government had done nothing to help secure the release of Dr Saeed, the hostage.
YDA Punjab spokesman Dr Nasir Bokahri said their plan to close OPDs was not directed at the Punjab government. He said that the Punjab was part of Pakistan and protests here against the injustices in Balochistan were legitimate.
Punjab Paramedical Alliance (PPA) Provincial Chairman Yousaf Billa said his organisation would support the YDA in solidarity with the doctors in Balochistan. “Our protest is against the federal government,” he said.
Separately, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) condemned the “arrests and torture” of the doctors in Balochistan. “Instead of getting Dr Saeed released, the government is arresting doctors, which is unacceptable. The PMA demands that the Balachistan chief minister resign and the Supreme Court take suo motu notice of the matter,” said a PMA statement.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2012.
Various groups representing medical professionals have condemned the arrest of protesting doctors in Balochistan on Monday.
The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab announced that it would close the outpatient departments at all public hospitals in the province if the 60 arrested doctors were not released in 24 hours.
YDA Punjab President Dr Hamid Butt, addressing a press conference at Services Hospital, said the Balochistan government had failed to protect the people of the province. He said that doctors in the province had been protesting peacefully for the release of a colleague. He said that the government had done nothing to help secure the release of Dr Saeed, the hostage.
YDA Punjab spokesman Dr Nasir Bokahri said their plan to close OPDs was not directed at the Punjab government. He said that the Punjab was part of Pakistan and protests here against the injustices in Balochistan were legitimate.
Punjab Paramedical Alliance (PPA) Provincial Chairman Yousaf Billa said his organisation would support the YDA in solidarity with the doctors in Balochistan. “Our protest is against the federal government,” he said.
Separately, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) condemned the “arrests and torture” of the doctors in Balochistan. “Instead of getting Dr Saeed released, the government is arresting doctors, which is unacceptable. The PMA demands that the Balachistan chief minister resign and the Supreme Court take suo motu notice of the matter,” said a PMA statement.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2012.