- By: Irfan Ullah Khan
Balochistan’s capital, Quetta, is undoubtedly in dire straits, facing security challenges, target killings, road accidents, and other shocking incidents that threaten lives and intensify fear, anger, and brutality. On one hand, the lack of facilities and medical services in hospitals results in a profound sense of insecurity among the public. On the other hand, the provincial government appears busier with show-off activities and programmes, neglecting what people truly need—security, peace, and quality medical services.
Recently, a video circulating rapidly on social media showed a horrific scene in which a man was seen throwing acid on a female doctor (Dr. Mahnoor) in a hospital. Fortunately, a brave young man intervened, informed others, and helped save the doctor’s life by shifting her in the nick of time to another hospital to prevent further injuries and burns. The lady fortunately had a narrow escape, but suffered serious injuries due to the lack of emergency care at the concerned hospital.
It is a stark demonstration of the fact that there are still wide gaps in the health sector of Balochistan, ranging from the shortage of basic necessities and medicines to specialized medical centres and emergency services. On one side, doctors are repeatedly criticized. Few people, however, talk about the grievances doctors face day in and day out, such as verbal abuse, prolonged duties, and insecurity. The recent incident reflects that it was not merely an attack on an individual, but a heinous act against those who devote their days and nights to serving in hospitals and saving precious lives. It was indeed a brutal attack on their dignity and intrinsic worth. How will patients feel if doctors themselves feel insecure and unsafe? They will no doubt feel worried and dissatisfied while lying on hospital beds.
There must be a clear and transparent investigation into this matter to determine why the man carried out such a brutal act, whether on his own or at the instigation of someone else. Those who commit acts of prejudice, bias, and gender-based discrimination must be brought to justice and punished according to the law. If such matters are abandoned, they may further encourage similar horrifying incidents. An open and fair investigation into this case will help heal the suffering lady, deliver justice, and contribute to building a healthy and prosperous society.
In this regard, the concerned authorities must take appropriate and immediate action and remain proactive in dealing with such sensitive cases in the future in order to foster peace and eradicate brutality in the province.
The Chief Minister of Balochistan must take notice of this case immediately because it is a fundamental responsibility of the government. It is a matter of public trust and provincial accountability. It is a case of justice and fairness. Otherwise, justice delayed is justice denied. If strict and lawful action is taken promptly in the wake of such inhumane incidents, it will ensure justice for the people and punish the real culprits.
At the same time, the provincial government ought to prioritize the health sector, facilitating it at all levels—from clean drinking water, hygienic toilets, and proper ventilation systems to medicines, essential machinery, and emergency services. People need decent healthcare. It is a basic right, not a favour. It is the responsibility of the authorities and an urgent need of the public.
In short, by properly investigating such criminal cases and adequately investing in the health sector, we can build a healthy and prosperous society. If doctors feel secure and safe, patients will too. We, therefore, need to protect first healers.