QUETTA: The Young Doctors Association (YDA) sustained its protest for the 23rd consecutive day on Monday, responding to the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Nasir at Civil Hospital Quetta. The association continues to boycott outpatient departments (OPDs) and general duties at government hospitals throughout Balochistan.
This ongoing strike has severely disrupted healthcare services, causing considerable difficulties for patients across the province. The YDA condemned the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor as an assault on the entire healthcare system of Balochistan, highlighting that doctors and medical staff are working under a constant sense of insecurity in public hospitals.
In a strong statement, the association accused the Balochistan government of diverting resources to protect a “controversial official” instead of pursuing justice. The YDA also revealed that over 30 doctors have been suspended for demanding a transparent investigation and accountability for those responsible for the attack.
Notably, the YDA announced plans to organize a Grand Doctors Conference, which will gather medical professionals from across the province. The conference is expected to declare a long march from Quetta to Islamabad as part of their ongoing agitation.
Meanwhile, the association has scheduled a protest rally at Civil Hospital Quetta on June 30. Their primary demands include the removal of the provincial health secretary and the medical superintendent of Civil Hospital Quetta, the establishment of a judicial commission to probe the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor, and the implementation of effective measures to ensure the security of doctors and healthcare staff in hospitals throughout Balochistan.
The protests originated following the acid attack on June 7, when postgraduate trainee Dr Mahnoor Nasir suffered severe burns inside the surgical ward of Civil Hospital Quetta. She sustained burns covering approximately 35 percent of her body. Initially treated at a private facility, Dr Mahnoor was later airlifted to Karachi for specialized care on the directive of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.
The attack ignited widespread outrage within the medical community. The YDA accused the assailant, a privately employed lift operator at the hospital, of attempted murder. The incident exposed significant security failures in public hospitals, prompting demands for a judicial commission, the removal of senior health officials, and enhanced protection for medical staff.
Following the attack, the YDA initiated a boycott of all non-emergency medical services, severely affecting healthcare delivery across the province. Police later reported that the suspected attacker was killed in a firefight with law enforcement. Investigations continue from multiple perspectives, including reviewing CCTV footage to identify any accomplices.
In a significant development, the provincial government pledged to strengthen hospital security and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. The YDA’s sustained protests and upcoming actions underscore the medical community’s demand for justice and improved safety measures.
