QUETTA: Doctors, nurses and paramedics arrested, as Police uses baton-charge against young doctors, paramedics and nurses against holding protest in Red Zone of Quetta. Doctors and medical workers were protesting against the lack of protective equipment for young doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff.

YDA has announced province-wide strike including in all emergency services, against arrest, charge of Police.
Spokesman of Government of Balochistan Liaquat Shahwani termed the doctors strike as a violation of medical oath and ethics, saying doctors wanted to politicize the issue to extend the duration of the contracts. All necessary equipment is being provided to the doctors.
According to details, on Monday Police tried to stop young doctors and paramedics, at the gate of Civil Hospital of Quetta, as they started a rally towards Chief Minister House. Young doctors, Nurses, and other medical staff participated in the rally, which was stopped at the entry point in red zone.
Doctors staged a sit-in, protesters demanded that they are not being provided with personal protection kits to fight the coronavirus, which has so far caused infection to 15 doctors and close to 50 to Quarantine. “We will continue to protest until equipment is provided to us,” doctors said.
Later, Police charged at the protesters, as they declined to end protest under section 144. More than 30 doctors, nurses and paramedics were arrested before facing baton-charge from the Police, shifted to different police stations.
Followed by an emergency press conference of YDA, Dr Yasir Achakzai, President of the Young Doctors’ Association at the Civil Hospital Quetta, said that the government has treated the doctors, like terrorist. Instead of providing the protective kits to the doctors, government is arresting them. Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan, Chief Secretary Balochistan, Secretary Health and Special Secretary Health are responsible for the situation.
“Instead of negotiating, we were subjected to torture. We had two options whether we observe strike or protest. The doctors who self-manage the kits have donated their funds to buy the kits for themselves, and at their own expense they are buying equipment,” Achakzai said.
He further added that about 150 doctors, nurses and paramedics have been arrested. In response, YDA has decided to observe complete strike in province, including emergency services.
“It has been impossible for us to work under these circumstances, the government has beaten us like terrorists and now we do not care if the government expels us even from jobs,” he added.
He said that doctors said that they do not want to be paid extra.
While talking to private TV channels, spokesperson Govt. Balochistan Liaquat Shahwani said that it is unethical for doctors to strike instead of serving and treating patients. This is against medical ethics. The doctor must review their decision. “Section 144 is enforced. We will arrest anyone who violates it. Doctors have also violated the practice of the global social order,” he added.
Liaquat Shahwani said that 50 thousand N95 masks, 32 thousand surgical masks, 25 thousand gloves have been provided. Other supplies have been transported to Sheikh Zayed Hospital, while more equipment is being provided by NDMA.
“The government has also arranged to purchase the equipment on its own. However, due to the closure of the market in China, we have to wait for delivery of the goods,” he said.