Balochistan Doctors Corps stages protest, calls for security reforms, end to ‘retaliatory actions’ against doctors
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone has strongly condemned the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer at Civil Hospital, demanding a judicial inquiry to present the facts to the public.
Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Thursday, Quetta PMA Zone General Secretary Dr Shoaib Baloch, flanked by Zonal Chairman Dr Nadir Khan Achakzai, Vice President Dr Zainat, Senior Vice President Dr Kamyab, Finance Secretary Dr Ashraf, Joint Secretary Dr Fayyaz and Press Secretary Dr Munir Gichki, said urged the authorities to ensure the protection of the lives and property of doctors, paramedics and other hospital staff.
Dr Baloch condemned what he called the government’s “retaliatory measures” against doctors protesting for justice, saying such measures were unjustifiable.
Read: Suspect killed in altercation after acid attack on female doctor in Quetta
“Doctors and healthcare providers of Balochistan are demanding justice, protection, transparent investigation and reforms from the Health Ministry following the tragic attack on our colleague Dr Mahnoor Naseer while on duty,” he said. “Administrative powers and disciplinary procedures are used to silence their voices; we condemn this.”
He clarified that their peaceful struggle was not for any individual, group or personal interest, but to ensure justice for Dr Mahnoor Naseer, protect the lives and property of doctors and medical staff, promote merit, transparency and accountability, eliminate corruption, nepotism and administrative irregularities and provide better health facilities to the people of Balochistan.
“The attack on Dr. Mahnoor Naseer is not an attack on a single individual; it is an attack on the entire medical fraternity, on the protection of women and on the health system itself,” he said.
The incident took place at the Quetta Civil Hospital Surgical Complex, which houses five wards and three operation theatres. According to standard security protocols, at least seven to eight security guards should have been present for each department and each TO.
“It is extremely unfortunate that after the incident, no security personnel were present, which not only reveals the gross negligence and incompetence of the administration but also raises serious questions and doubts. A complete and impartial investigation is essential,” Dr Baloch said.
Read also: Dr Mahnoor’s first surgery completed after acid attack
He further revealed that most of the CCTV cameras in Quetta Civil Hospital were non-functional or damaged. Video footage of the attack was obtained only from cameras installed by the orthopedics department using personal resources.
The PMA demanded an immediate, independent and impartial judicial inquiry into the case of Dr Mahnoor Naseer. Immediate withdrawal of all show cause notices, suspensions and other administrative actions against doctors and healthcare providers.
The doctors’ body also demanded effective and foolproof security for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedical staff and other medical staff in all government hospitals in Balochistan.
