YDA refuses negotiations with health authorities

QUETTA: The Young Doctors Asso­ciation (YDA) announced on Wednesday its intention to continue a strike against recent incidents at the Civil Hospital, refusing negotiations with health authorities until their demands are met.

YDA leader Dr Palwasha Raheem Kakar spoke at a press conference held at the protest camp, urging the government to allocate resources towards enhancing doctor safety and strengthening hospital security.

Ms Kakar highlighted the case of Dr Mahnoor Nasir, who was a victim of a rec­ent acid attack and a close friend of hers.

This incident, she said, has instilled fear among female doctors and the broader medical community. She underscored the challenges faced by doctors amidst inadequate security measures at Civil Hospital.

Criticising the health authorities for their inaction, Ms Kakar emphasised that instead of addressing these security concerns, the government opted to dismiss medical staff, which she termed retaliatory.

Despite the strike, Ms Kakar assured that the protesting doctors will continue to offer free treatment at private clinics, keeping patients’ difficulties in mind.

In a show of support, National Party leader and Deputy Parliamentary Leader Mir Rehmat Saleh Baloch called for a transparent judicial inquiry into the acid attack, expressing solidarity with the stri­king doctors.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2026 ...