Balochistan Doctors’ Body Stages Protest, Calls for Security Reforms, Stops ‘Retaliation’ Against Doctors
Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone has strongly condemned the acid attack on Dr. Mahnoor Naseer at the Civil Hospital and is demanding a judicial inquiry to bring the facts before the public.
At a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Thursday, PMA Quetta Zone General Secretary Dr. Shoaib Baloch, flanked by Zone President Dr. Nadir Khan Achakzai, Vice President Dr. Zainat, Senior Vice President Dr. Kamyab, Financial Secretary Dr. Ashraf, Joint Secretary Dr. Fayyaz, and press secretary Dr. Munir Gichki, and press secretary Dr. Munir Gichki, to ensure protection of doctors, authorities and property, . other hospital staff.
Dr. Baloch condemned what he called the government’s “retaliation” against doctors protesting for justice, saying such measures were unjustifiable.
Read: Suspect killed in encounter after acid attack on female doctor in Quetta
“Balochistan’s doctors and health providers are demanding justice, protection, a transparent investigation and reforms in the health department after the tragic on-duty attack on our colleague Dr. Mahnoor Naseer,” he said. “Administrative powers and disciplinary procedures are being used to suppress their voice; 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 life and property of doctors and medical personnel, promote merit, transparency and accountability, eliminate corruption, nepotism and administrative irregularities and provide better health facilities to the people of Baloch.
“The attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer is not an attack on an individual alone; it is an attack on the entire medical fraternity, on the protection of women and on the health system itself,” he claimed.
The incident took place at Civil Hospital Quetta’s Surgical Complex, which houses five wards and three operating theatres. According to standard security protocols, at least seven to eight security guards should have been present for each ward and OT.
“It is highly regrettable that after the incident not a single security guard was present, which not only reveals the gross negligence and incompetence of the administration but also raises serious questions and doubts. A full and impartial inquiry is indispensable,” said Dr. Baloch.
Also read: Dr. Mahnoor’s first surgery completed after acid attack
He further revealed that most of the CCTV cameras at Civil Hospital Quetta were non-functional or damaged. Video footage of the attack was obtained only from cameras installed by the orthopedic department using personal resources.
The PMA demanded an immediate, independent and impartial judicial inquiry into Dr. The Mahnoor Naseer case. Immediate withdrawal of all notices, suspensions and other administrative actions against physicians and health care providers.
The doctors’ body also demanded effective and foolproof security for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics and other medical staff across all public hospitals in Balochistan.
