Young doctors resume strike in Balochistan, OPDs remain closed

QUETTA: The outpatient departments (OPD) of government hospitals across Balochistan were closed yet again as young doctors resumed their strike on Friday.

According to Young Doctors Association (YDA) Balochistan President Dr Yasir Khosti, they had given a deadline of 48 hours to the provincial government to fulfil their demands but they failed to do that. Therefore, the young doctors and paramedics would continue their strike till a notification accepting their demands is issued, Khosti added.

Earlier in March the young doctors had called a strike to demand hiring on vacant seats, payment of allowances and provision of new machines at medical facilities. However, they paused their protest when the government promised to fulfill their demand upon the return of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudus Bizenjo.

The strike was limited to the outpatient departments and all other sections of hospitals were functioning, a protest camp at Civil Hospital Quetta had not been closed down.

The doctors and paramedics had called a strike on March 12 to protest the listed issues. 

At a news conference held earlier, Khosti had said the government was victimizing doctors instead of paying heed to their demands. He had also condemned the false cases registered against members of YDA and Pakistan Paramedical Staff Federation.

Web Desk

Published in The Balochistan Point on April 6, 2018