National ( The cow news digital ) Quetta: The Balochistan Health Department has taken stringent action against young doctors protesting and striking in the province’s public hospitals. Authorities suspended 23 doctors for violating rules, participating in unauthorized strikes, and disrupting departmental discipline. In addition, 25 officers have been issued show-cause notices.
According to a Health Department spokesperson, five postgraduate trainee doctors had their registrations immediately suspended, and formal inquiries have been initiated against them. These measures were taken to ensure that patient care in public hospitals remains uninterrupted. Authorities emphasized that all government hospitals in Balochistan will remain fully operational.
The Health Department issued a clear warning that employees absent from essential services—including emergency wards, ICUs, and operating theaters—will face immediate disciplinary action. Doctors and paramedical staff have been instructed to carry out their duties diligently, with the department warning of strict legal consequences for non-compliance.
A senior health official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that while protesting is a right, it should not compromise patient safety. “Lives of patients cannot be put at risk,” the official said.
In response to the unrest, the provincial government, on the recommendation of senior doctors, has formed a high-level review committee to assess the current security and operational status of healthcare institutions. The committee will include senior government officials, health department representatives, top doctors, and security authorities. The Deputy Chief Minister of Balochistan confirmed that the committee will address doctors’ concerns seriously, but reiterated that the health system will not be allowed to collapse due to strikes. Any security shortcomings identified will be promptly addressed.
The protests by young doctors reportedly focus on better facilities, improved security, and enhanced training opportunities. They have also raised concerns about inflation, unsafe working environments, and insufficient resources.
The provincial government has called on all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue to prevent further disruption to Balochistan’s healthcare system. Authorities emphasized the importance of balancing employees’ legitimate grievances with uninterrupted patient care, ensuring that public health services continue without compromise.
The situation remains under close monitoring, with both departmental enforcement and dialogue mechanisms expected to play a key role in stabilizing healthcare operations across the province.
