Balochistan doctors’ body organizes a protest, calling for security reforms and an end to “retaliatory actions” against doctors.
Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone strongly condemned the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer at Civil Hospital and demanded a judicial inquiry to bring the facts before the public.
Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Thursday, PMA Quetta Zone General Secretary Dr Shoaib Baloch flanked by Zonal President 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 Dr. Munir Gichki, urged the authorities to ensure protection of life and property of doctors, paramedics and other hospital staff.
Dr. Baloch condemned what he called “retaliatory actions” by the government against doctors protesting for justice, saying such measures were unjustifiable.
Read: Suspect killed in encounter after acid attack on female doctor in Quetta
“Doctors and healthcare providers of Balochistan are demanding justice, protection, transparent investigation and reforms in the health department following the tragic on-duty attack on our colleague Dr Mahnoor Naseer,” he said. “Administrative powers and disciplinary procedures are used to suppress your 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 the lives and properties of doctors and medical staff, promote merit, transparency and accountability, eliminate corruption, nepotism and administrative irregularities, and provide better healthcare 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, the protection of women and the health system itself,” she said.
The incident occurred at the Quetta Civil Hospital Surgical Complex, which houses five wards and three operation theatres. As per standard security protocols, at least seven to eight security guards should have been present in each room and OT.
“It is extremely unfortunate that not a single security guard was present after the incident, which not only exposes the gross negligence and incompetence of the administration but also raises serious doubts and questions. A full 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 at Quetta Civil Hospital were not working or damaged. Video images of the attack were obtained solely from cameras installed by the Orthopedic Ward with 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 physicians and healthcare providers.
The medical body also demanded effective and foolproof security for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics and other medical staff in all government hospitals of Balochistan.
