The Young Doctors Association (YDA) in Quetta has persisted with its protest and service boycott at government hospitals after the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Nasir at Civil Hospital. This protest has now extended into its ninth consecutive day, with doctors refusing to perform routine medical duties while ensuring emergency services remain available.
Dr Mahnoor Nasir, a female physician at Civil Hospital Quetta, suffered severe burn injuries to her face, chest, legs, and other body parts on June 6, when an employee of the hospital allegedly threw acid on her. Law enforcement later tracked down and killed the suspect in an encounter.
In response to the attack, doctors and paramedical staff initiated protests, halting regular medical services but continuing emergency care. The YDA emphasized that the incident has heightened insecurity among healthcare workers, especially female doctors. The association attributed the attack to administrative negligence and security failures, urging the implementation of stronger protective measures for medical personnel in public hospitals.
Among their primary demands, the YDA has called for the establishment of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to thoroughly investigate the incident. Additionally, they have requested the suspension of the Health Secretary and the Medical Superintendent (MS) of Civil Hospital. YDA representatives highlighted that while doctors have faced punitive actions in the past, senior officials have largely escaped accountability.
Since June 8, a solidarity camp has been set up at Civil Hospital, and the boycott of government hospital services will continue until the demands are fulfilled. During the protest, free outpatient consultations are being offered in designated wards and some private hospitals to assist patients. Nonetheless, many patients traveling from remote areas continue to experience difficulties due to the suspension of routine services at government healthcare facilities.
