Doctors and Paramedical Staff Boycott OPD Services in Balochistan Over Arrests of Union Leaders

Quetta:On the call of the Grand Health Alliance Balochistan, doctors and paramedical staff in government hospitals across the province went on strike, boycotting outpatient department (OPD) services, leading to severe difficulties for patients seeking medical attention.

The strike, which lasted from 9 am to 11 am, was called in protest against the arrest of union leaders. During this period, patients, who had come for treatment, were left without care, adding to their distress.

The strike follows a recent incident where the Director General (DG) Health of Balochistan visited the Civil Hospital in Quetta. During this visit, he accused young doctors of attacking him, resulting in injuries. Following the DG’s complaint, Grand Health Alliance Balochistan Chairman Dr. Bahar Shah and Dr. Hafeez Mandokhail were arrested.

After the arrests, a case was filed at the Civil Lines police station, with Dr. Bahar Shah, Dr. Saboor, Dr. Yasir, and others named in the FIR. The FIR claims that the DG Health was attacked with an iron rod, causing injuries to his left hand. It also mentions that young doctors used foul language and issued serious threats.

A case under sections 506, 504, 186, 353, 147, and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code has been registered, and police have initiated further action.

In response, the spokesperson for the Grand Health Alliance Balochistan stated that DG Health Ameen Mandokhel had filed a false case. They claimed that it was the DG who had first assaulted Dr. Bahar Shah. The spokesperson added that three of the five doctors named in the FIR were not even present at the hospital. The Alliance has warned that if Dr. Bahar Shah is not released, they will extend the boycott of services to all hospitals in the province.

On Monday, Dr. Bahar Shah and Dr. Hafeez Mandokhail were presented before Judicial Magistrate 7 and subsequently transferred to jail from the Civil Lines police station.

In response to the ongoing strike, the Health Department of Balochistan has instructed district health officers and hospital heads across the province to take action under the BEDA Act. An official statement issued by the department ordered all health officers and staff not to support or facilitate the strike in any government hospital. If any officer or employee is found assisting the strike, disciplinary action will be taken.

The health department’s directive also emphasized that security personnel, including private security firms, must remain vigilant and perform their duties effectively, with no tolerance for any lapses in security.