Court orders Govt to make OPDs functional across Balochistan
Syed Ali Shah :
QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has directed the secretaries’ health government of Balochistan to make sure the functioning of OPDs across the province from tomorrow (Friday). The court also directed the President Young Doctors Association (YDA) Balochistan, Dr. Ahmed Abbas, Dr. Tahir Musakhail, the Vice-President, and Dr. Malik Kakar the General Secretary to appear before the court at 9:30 am.
“Why contempt of court proceedings may not be initiated against them all”, the court mentioned.
Chief Justice BHC, Mr. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan passed this order on a constitutional petition filed by barrister Amir Lehri. During the hearing, the top judge of the province was told that junior doctors are on strike in government-run hospitals. Poor patients continue to suffer as a result of strike in hospitals, which is a violation of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973. The court directed the concerned quarters to publish advertisements in newspapers regarding the appearance of YDA office-bearers.
IG Police directed to provide security to hospitals
CJ BHC directed the Inspector General of Police to ensure security in hospitals to avoid any untoward incident.
Registrar BHC informed the court that repeated attempts have been made but doctors’ phones are going off. It transpires that YDA office-bearers are deliberately avoiding their appearance. The court observed that despite being members of essential service, in view of earlier judgment passed by this court, the boycott of OPDs is also against the BEDA act 2011.
YDA observing a boycott of OPDs for last more than a month
YDA has been observing boycott of courts for last more than a month in support of their demands. Chief Minister Balochistan, Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has formed a parliamentary committee to have negotiations with protesting doctors. The YDA has however demanded of the government to stop what they called the privatization process of government-run hospitals in Balochistan. The charge was vehemently denied by the health department.
Doctors directed to ensure their presence in OPDs
Secretary Health Balochistan, Noor ul Haq Baloch has directed the protesting doctors to ensure their presence in OPDs in hospitals. In a notification, Mr. Baloch has asked the doctors to perform their duties at OPDs in the light of directives passed by the Balochistan High Court (BHC).
