Quetta Acid Attack: Young Doctors Launch Hospital Strike After Lady Doctor Assault

Young doctors in Quetta have announced a protest and partial strike across government hospitals following the shocking acid attack on a female doctor, a case that has sparked outrage across Pakistan and renewed concerns over the safety of healthcare workers.

The Young Doctors Association (YDA) stated that there will be no resuming of all non-emergency services in government hospitals in Quetta from today. Emergency departments will continue to function to provide emergency care to those who need it.

Speaking at a press conference, YDA representatives termed the attack on the lady doctor as a “significant security lapse” and requested an independent and transparent investigation of the incident. The doctors stated that doctors cannot work in an environment where their safety is under threat.

The protest follows an acid attack on a female doctor at Sandeman Provincial Hospital in Quetta, who was injured to her face, neck and head. In view of her condition, she was transferred to a private hospital in Karachi for special treatment.

The victim will remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for at least two days and will be monitored for her condition, hospital officials said.

However, Balochistan’s Home Affairs Advisor Babur Yousafzai appealed that instead of suspending hospital services, young doctors resolve their issues through dialogue with the Health Department. He said closure of OPDs and ward services will cause great patients problems and the government will not give in to pressure tactics.

Authorities are also looking into the background of the suspect and his contacts. According to Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, the accused had allegedly been harassing the female doctor for several months before carrying out the attack. The victim’s phone reportedly contains evidence of messages related to the harassment.

In another development, the alleged attacker reportedly died in police confrontation, which has sparked public interest as investigators further probe the circumstances of the incident.

The Quetta acid attack has sparked a lot of discussion on social media, many of which have been in favor of making women, doctors, and healthcare providers safer in Pakistan. Doctors have called for more stringent security at hospitals to stop the type of incidents from happening again.

As protests continue, patients in Quetta may face disruptions in routine healthcare services, while emergency medical care remains available at government hospitals.