QUETTA: The outpatient departments (OPD) of government hospitals across Balochistan were closed yet again as young doctors resumed their strike Friday.
According to Young Doctors Association (YDA) Balochistan President Dr Yasir Khosti, the provincial government had been given a deadline of 48 hours to fulfill their demands but they failed to do so. Hence, the young doctors and paramedics have decided to continue their strike till a notification accepting their demands is issued.
The young doctors had called a strike on March 12 to demand hiring on vacant seats, payment of allowances and provision of new machines at medical facilities.
Their protest had been halted when the government promised to fulfill their demand upon the return of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudus Bizenjo.
However, the demands were not fulfilled and no notification was issued despite the chief minister’s return following which a deadline of 48 hours was announced at a news conference organised by the young doctors.
Although the strike was limited to the outpatient departments only and all other sections of hospitals were functioning, a protest camp at Civil Hospital Quetta had not been closed down.
At a news conference held earlier, Khosti had said the government was victimising doctors instead of paying heed to their demands.
He had also condemned the false cases registered against members of YDA and Pakistan Paramedical Staff Federation.
