The Express Tribune
written by Mohammad Zafar
Saturday July 28, 2012
The failure of government authorities to secure the release of Bolan Medical College (BMC) surgeon Dr Din Muhammad Bangulzai resulted in another doctors’ strike being observed in the provincial capital on Friday.
The Out Patient Departments (OPD) of all state-run hospitals remained closed on Friday as striking doctors refused to treat patients. Sources revealed that OPD facilities at Provincial Sandeman Hospital, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Civil Hospital and Helper’s Eye Hospital remained deserted during the day causing severe hardships for patients, many of whom had travelled from far-flung areas of Balochistan for treatment.
However, the emergency departments of government hospitals remained opened as doctors agreed to treat patients requiring immediate medical care only.
Dr Bangulzai had been kidnapped by unknown assailants from the Ganji Dori near Lak Pass in district Mastung on Sunday. According to family sources, the kidnappers initially demanded Rs50 million in ransom for the surgeon’s release, however negotiations brought down the ransom amount to Rs8 million.
The strike, called by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Balochistan, follows a similar strike called by the Baloch Doctors Forum earlier in the week. Meanwhile, activists of the All Parties Steering Committee of Kech district held a demonstration against Dr Bangulzai’s kidnapping outside the Quetta Press Club. Protesting activists chanted slogans against the government and demanded all out efforts for Dr Bangulzai’s immediate release.
Addressing the gathering, party leaders of NP, BNP, JUI-F and PPP lamented the deteriorating law and order situation of the province and demanded an immediate crackdown against elements involved in kidnapping, targeted killings and other crimes.
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The News International
written by Staff
Monday August 6, 2012
Doctors continued their boycott of OPDs on Monday, but provided emergency services in government and private hospitals.
Doctors in Balochistan are protesting the abduction of a fellow senior colleague Dr. Ghulam Rasool.
A complete boycott of OPDs in private and government hospitals is entering its sixth day. The boycott is being observed on the call of Pakistan Medical Association, Young Doctors, Baloch Doctors Forum and Paramedics Staff Association, while emergency wards in government hospitals are functioning as usual and patients are being provided medical assistance.
However due to the closure of OPDs, non-availability of the doctors in wards and the paramedical staff also abstaining to perform their duties, patients are the ones suffering the most and compelled to leave the wards as there was none to attend to their needs.
Balochistan PMA leaders said that they would continue their protests until the safe return of Dr. Ghulam Rasool.
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