Young doctors announce June 12 rally against govt

QUETTA: Young doctors in Balochistan have announced a protest rally in Quetta on June 12, saying they are stepping up their campaign after what they described as the government’s failure to address their demands following the acid attack on Dr Mah Noor Naseer.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Young Doctors Association president Dr Hai Baloch at a press conference held at a protest camp outside Civil Sandeman Hospital Quetta. He criticised what he called the government’s lack of seriousness and said the medical community had been left with no option but to intensify its agitation.

"The attack on Dr Mah Noor Naseer is an assault on the values of our tribal society," Dr Baloch said referring to the assault on the doctor.

He said the government had neither responded to their appeals nor resolved their concerns. He also called for a judicial commission to investigate the incident at Civil Hospital Quetta and demanded immediate measures to strengthen security for doctors and hospitals.

Dr Baloch said the rally would begin at 2pm from Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Mian Ghundi, and proceed to the Quetta Press Club. As part of the protest, the YDA has decided to boycott outpatient departments and other services at all government hospitals across the province. However, doctors will continue to work in gynaecology wards, trauma centres and emergency units.