NICH doctors protest against violence

KARACHI: Doctors at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), under the banner of the Young Doctors Association (YDA), staged a protest against the increasing violence faced by young male and female doctors.

Carrying banners and placards with various slogans, the protesting doctors completely boycotted the Outpatient Departments (OPDs) and staged a sit-in.

During the demonstration, NICH Executive Director Dr Nasir Saleem and others invited YDA representatives for talks. However, the negotiations ended without resolution, as none of the doctors' key demands were addressed.

The YDA representatives expressed frustration, saying that no clear response was given regarding registration of FIR against those resorting to violence doctors on September 23, 2024. The only statement offered was a vague promise to review the inquiry report, with no specific timeline or commitment, they regretted.

The YDA representatives also criticised the lack of accountability of security personnel and the Special Nursing Cadre (SNC), who allegedly allowed these incidents to occur.

Following the failure of talks, the protesting doctors unanimously decided to continue their demonstration. They announced that OPD boycott, sit-ins, and further protests will resume tomorrow.