YDA demands withdrawal of FIR against doctors

ISLAMABAD: Young Doctors Association (YDA) Islamabad held a protest demonstration at Federal Government Services Hospital here Saturday to express solidarity with three senior doctors of Sheikh Zaid Hospital (SZH) who were booked under murder charges in Lahore.

Protesting doctors boycotted their duties, took out a procession and held a demonstration carrying placards. They also raised slogans against provincial health department.

YDA condemned the police excessive act of registering a murder case against their senior colleagues under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code. They demanded immediate withdrawal of cases against doctors.

YDA also gave an ultimatum to the Punjab government to withdraw the FIR registered against senior consultants and warned of a complete strike followed by rallies if their demand was not met.

Addressing the rally, Dr. Ajmal, President Young Doctors Association demanded the Punjab government to implement the Health Care Commission Act 2010 in its true spirit and take an action against responsible police officers for violating the laid down procedure while registering the FIR against three senior consultants without legal formalities.

"The hospital doctors would not work on Monday if the case isn't withdrawn" he added.

Accoridng to details, Dr. Ajmal said that Dr Haroon Majeed, Dr Haroon Dar and Dr Zulfiqar were booked under Section 302 on the application of Shabbir Hussain of Ferozewala, who alleged that his son, Rafique Ijaz had died due to the negligence of the doctors.

Dr Ajmal told this news agency that deceased; Rafique was a TB patient and was in critical situation when brought to the Shaikh Zayed Hospital so he expired despite doctors hectic efforts.

The patient also left the hospital without permission of the doctor's which led him into critical situation, he said.

"According to laws doctors were not bound to treat such patient but SZH hospital expressed sympathy with Rafique and readmitted him," Dr Ajmal maintained.

"We, the doctors, extend our services round the clock but never regarded," he added.

Dr. Irum Bashir said that in the presence of the Health Care Commission Act 2010, an FIR could not be launched against a health care provider.

After the protest, YDA announced that the doctors of the hospital would have a protest demonstration/strike as at the hospital on Monday if the FIR was not withdrawn in 48 hours, they will observe complete strike at the hospital from November 14 (Monday), they warned.