The Balochistan Health Department has taken strict action in response to the ongoing protest and strike by young doctors, suspending 23 doctors and issuing show-cause notices to 25 officers.
According to the department, the action was taken over alleged violations of rules and regulations, participation in an illegal strike, unauthorised activities, and breaches of departmental discipline.
A spokesperson for the Balochistan Health Department said that the registrations of five trainee doctors enrolled in postgraduate training programs have also been suspended with immediate effect and formal inquiries have been launched against them.
The measures were taken amid concerns that the protest could disrupt healthcare services and affect patient care in government hospitals across the province.
Government hospitals to remain open
The Health Department emphasised that all government healthcare facilities in Balochistan will remain fully operational. It warned that employees absent from essential services, including emergency wards, intensive care units (ICUs) and operation theaters, would face immediate disciplinary action.
Doctors and paramedical staff have been directed to continue performing their duties, with authorities warning that failure to comply could result in strict legal action.
High level committee formed to review security concerns
Meanwhile, on the recommendation of senior doctors, the Balochistan government has established a high level review committee to assess the current security situation in healthcare institutions.
The committee will include senior government officials, experienced doctors, representatives of the Health Department and security officials. An adviser to the Chief Minister of Balochistan confirmed the committee’s formation, stating that doctors’ concerns would be addressed seriously and any identified security shortcomings would be resolved promptly.
Doctors cite security and welfare concerns
The protest by young doctors was reportedly launched to press for several demands, including improved benefits, enhanced security arrangements and better training facilities.
Doctors have argued that they are raising their voices against inflation, unsafe working conditions, and inadequate facilities. However, the Health Department maintains that any protest should remain within legal and administrative boundaries and should not compromise patient welfare.
The provincial government has urged all stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue to prevent further disruption to the province’s healthcare system.
Also read: Doctors continue boycott of hospital services in Quetta
