QUETTA: The Out Patient Departments (OPDs) of government hospitals remain closed on Friday as young doctors resumed their strike across the province of Balochistan.
According to Balochistan Young Doctors Association (YDA) President Dr Yasir Khosti, a deadline of 48 hours was given to the provincial government to fulfil their demands. However, their demands couldn’t be met. The young doctors and paramedics would continue strike till the issuance of notification that their demands are accepted.
The young doctors held a strike in March demanding payment of allowances, provision of new machines at the medical facilities and recruitment on vacant seats.
However, they halted the protest when the government promised them that their demands would be met upon the return of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudus Bizenjo.
However, neither their demands were fulfilled nor was any notification issued. Consequently, they announced a deadline of 48 hours during a news conference. The strike was limited to the Out Patient Departments only and other departments were still operating. A protest camp at Civil Hospital Quetta has been active since then. Khosti also condemned the false cases registered against members of YDA and Paramedical Staff.
Published in Daily Times, April 7th 2018.
