QUETTA - Turning down the ultimatum of Chief Minister Balochistan, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Balochistan chapter has decided to continue its protest until and unless its demands were fulfilled.
“Chief Minister Balochistan should not bother to take action against us rather we (doctors) have decided to tender our collective resignations if our demands were not accepted forthwith”, Dr. Sultan Tareen, President PMA Baloch flanked by other doctors stated this while addressing a Press conference at Civil Hospital Quetta, on Monday.
He alleged that kidnappers and other criminals were backed by Nawabs, bureaucrats and other law-enforcement agencies, adding, that several doctors had been killed and many were kidnapped in recent years but none of the culprits were arrested.
He alleged that some government functionaries were also involved in abductions for ransom, adding, that due to the law and order situation in the province the doctors were migrating from Balochistan. Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani had given 48 hours ultimatum to doctors to resume their duties, otherwise, departmental action would be taken against them.
Condemning CM’s ultimatum to doctors, PMA President said CM instead of arresting kidnappers and robbers was warning doctors. “Doctors will not succumb to any pressure rather then would further expedite its protest”, he added.
He warned that if doctors were not provided security and the amounts paid to the kidnappers as ransom for the release of kidnapped doctors was not reimbursed from its kitty, they would tender collective resignations. Responding to a question, he said that Rs 10 million ransom was paid for the recovery of psychiatrist Dr. Ghulam Rasool and Rs 5 million each for two other doctors.
“Two people who were involved in bargaining were arrested but police was avoiding to apprehend other accused”, he added.
Meanwhile, doctors continued their strike on 27th consecutive day on Monday.
Outdoor Patient Departments (OPDs) of all main hospitals of the provincial capital, including Helper’s Hospital, Bolan Medical College Teaching Hospital, Fatima Jinnah TB Sanatorium and Sandeman Hospital wore a deserted look, as no doctor was present to provide medical assistance to patients.
The closure of government hospitals is creating immense difficulties for the poor patients as over 90 per cent of the population visit government hospitals for medical aid.