YDA continues protest over acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Nasir in Quetta

The Young Doctors Association (YDA) in Quetta has continued its protest and boycott of services at government hospitals following the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Nasir at Quetta’s Civil Hospital.

The boycott has entered its ninth day, with doctors refusing to provide routine medical services at Civil Hospital. However, emergency services remain operational.

Dr Mahnoor Nasir, a female doctor at Civil Hospital Quetta, suffered serious injuries on June 6, when a hospital employee allegedly threw acid on her and she sustained severe burn injuries to her face, chest, legs, and other parts of her body. According to police, the suspect was later killed in an encounter after law enforcement personnel tracked him down.

Following the attack, doctors and paramedical staff launched protests and suspended routine medical services, while continuing to provide emergency care.

The YDA stated that the incident has created a sense of insecurity among doctors, particularly female healthcare professionals. The association blamed administrative negligence and security lapses for the attack and demanded enhanced security measures for doctors working in public hospitals.

Among its key demands, the YDA has called for the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident. The association has also demanded the suspension of the Health Secretary and the Medical Superintendent (MS) of Civil Hospital. According to YDA representatives, government authorities have taken action against doctors in the past while failing to hold senior officials accountable.

The association said that a solidarity camp has been operating at Civil Hospital since June 8 and that the boycott of government hospitals will continue until its demands are met.

During the protest, free outpatient consultations are being provided in relevant wards and some private hospitals to facilitate patients. However, many patients travelling from distant areas continue to face difficulties due to the suspension of routine services at government healthcare facilities.