The doctors of government and private hospitals of Quetta continued their strike for the 11th consecutive day on Saturday against the abduction of Bolan Medical Complex (BMC) doctor Ghulam Rasool. The strike was called by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Balochistan chapter, and other organizations to protest against Rasool’s kidnapping. On August 1, unidentified gunmen abducted BMC psychiatrist Dr Ghulam Rasool from Brewery Road, two days after the release of a previously kidnapped senior surgeon of the same college, Dr Din Mohammad Bangulzai. Dr Rasool was on his way home after performing his duty at BMC when armed men intercepted him and took him away. After the incident, the doctors as well as the paramedical staff, announced to boycott work. On the other hand, numerous patients, especially those from far-flung areas, have been suffering due to the doctor’s refusal to attend Outpatient Departments (OPDs), as the pressure on emergency and casualty wards, where treatment is still being provided, has increased. The Balochistan government has formed a committee to recover Dr Rasool, however, no progress has been made so far. The doctors in Balochistan have vowed to continue their strike until the recovery of their abducted colleague.
