PMA seeks judicial inquiry into acid attack on doctor in Quetta

QUETTA: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone has denounced the acid attack on Dr Mah Noor Naseer at Civil Hospital and called for a judicial inquiry into the incident, saying the facts should be brought before the public.

Speaking at a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Thursday, PMA Quetta Zone General Secretary Dr Shoaib Baloch said doctors and healthcare workers in Balochistan were seeking justice, security, a transparent probe and reforms in the health department after the attack on their colleague while on duty. He was accompanied by zone 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 Munir Gichki.

Dr Baloch also criticised what he described as the government’s retaliatory measures against doctors protesting over the incident, saying the use of administrative authority and disciplinary action to silence them was unacceptable.

He said the campaign being carried out by doctors was peaceful and was not aimed at advancing the interests of any individual, group or personal cause. According to him, the demands were centred on justice for Dr Mah Noor Naseer, protection for doctors, paramedics and other hospital employees, merit and transparency in the health department, accountability, the removal of corruption, nepotism and administrative irregularities, and improved healthcare services for the people of Balochistan.

"Balochistan's doctors and healthcare providers are demanding justice, protection, a transparent investigation, and reforms in the health department following the tragic on-duty attack on our colleague Dr Mah Noor Naseer," Dr Baloch said at the press conference.

"Administrative powers and disciplinary proceedings are being used to suppress their voice, we condemn this," he further said.

"The attack on Dr Mah Noor 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 healthcare system itself," he added describing the gravity of the incident.

Security concerns at hospital

The attack took place at the Surgical Complex of Civil Hospital Quetta, where five wards and three operation theatres are located. According to the PMA, standard security arrangements for such a facility require at least seven to eight security guards for each ward and operation theatre.

The association urged the authorities to ensure the protection of the lives and property of doctors, paramedics and other hospital staff working in public hospitals.