Acid Attack on Female Doctor in Quetta: Young Doctors Announce Boycott, Demand Arrest of Suspect Within 12 Hours
QUETTA: The Young Doctors Association (YDA) has strongly condemned the acid attack on a female postgraduate trainee doctor at Civil Hospital Quetta and demanded the arrest of the suspect within 12 hours, warning of further action if authorities fail to act.
Addressing a press conference at Civil Hospital, YDA leader Dr. Hai Baloch described the incident as inhumane and said the attack took place at around 12:00 to 12:30 pm. He stated that acid was thrown on the face and body of a postgraduate trainee doctor, leaving her with approximately 35 percent burn injuries.
Dr. Hai Baloch said the attack amounted to an attempt to murder and alleged that doctors have been facing similar security threats for months. He criticized hospital and health department authorities, claiming that doctors, particularly female doctors, are being left without adequate protection.
He further alleged widespread mismanagement within the health sector, accusing officials of focusing on administrative and financial matters instead of ensuring the safety and welfare of healthcare workers. He demanded the immediate removal of the Medical Superintendent (MS) of Civil Hospital, the Health Secretary, and the security in-charge.
According to Dr. Baloch, there is virtually no effective security system in the hospital, and repeated requests for enhanced security have gone unanswered. He said the continued negligence of authorities has put doctors at risk.
Speaking at the same press conference, Dr. Adil Khan claimed that the suspect was a lift operator employed at the hospital. He said the female doctor was studying in her room in the surgery ward when the lift operator allegedly knocked on her door. As she stepped outside, the suspect reportedly threw acid on her and fled the scene.
The YDA demanded immediate justice for the victim and warned that if the suspect is not arrested within 12 hours, doctors will take stronger protest measures.
The association announced the suspension of all services at Civil Hospital Quetta except emergency care. Paramedical staff have also joined the protest by boycotting services, while surgical services at the hospital have been suspended as part of the ongoing strike.
Doctors called on law enforcement agencies to ensure the swift arrest of the suspect and provide a secure working environment for healthcare professionals across the province. The allegations regarding the suspect’s identity and administrative shortcomings are claims made by YDA representatives and remain subject to official investigation.
