Islamabad: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has ordered an inquiry into the acid attack on a female postgraduate doctor at Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta, sought a detailed report from the relevant authorities and directed a review of workplace safety measures for healthcare providers, declaring that it has zero tolerance for harassment and violence against medical professionals, particularly female doctors.
The move comes days after Dr Mahnoor Nasir, a postgraduate trainee in general surgery, was attacked with acid inside the government hospital allegedly by a contractual lift operator. The attack left her with burn injuries to parts of her face and body and affected one of her eyes. She was initially treated at Aria Hospital in Quetta before being shifted to Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi for further treatment.
In a letter to the concerned authorities, the PMDC sought complete details of the incident and directed that a thorough inquiry be conducted to ascertain the facts, determine responsibility and assess the measures taken by the hospital administration to ensure the safety and protection of healthcare providers at the workplace.
The medical regulator described violence and harassment against healthcare workers as a serious and growing concern and stressed that hospitals and healthcare institutions must provide a secure working environment for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Referring to a series of attacks on healthcare workers in recent years, the PMDC noted that the attack on Dr Mahnoor was not an isolated incident. The council recalled the killing of Dr Mahican in Kohat, which had shocked the medical community and underscored the risks faced by healthcare providers while performing their professional duties.
Medical professionals have repeatedly voiced concern over increasing incidents of verbal abuse, intimidation, harassment and physical assaults in healthcare settings, particularly against female doctors who often face additional workplace security challenges.
The PMDC urged hospital administrations across Pakistan, provincial and federal health authorities, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to take effective measures to strengthen the safety and security of healthcare providers. It said violence against medical professionals not only threatens their lives and wellbeing but also adversely affects the delivery of healthcare services to patients.
The council also appealed to patients and their attendants to refrain from all forms of violence, threats, verbal abuse and physical aggression against doctors and healthcare workers.
Healthcare providers are part of the country’s essential services and dedicate their lives to saving lives and reducing human suffering, the PMDC said, adding that disputes and grievances should be resolved through legal and institutional channels rather than through intimidation or violence.
PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj said individuals who believe they have been subjected to medical negligence or professional misconduct should approach the relevant healthcare commissions or file a complaint with the PMDC.
“Any complaint received by PMDC is thoroughly investigated and action is taken whenever negligence or professional misconduct is established,” he said.
However, he maintained that no allegation, dispute or grievance could justify violence against healthcare providers.
“There can be no justification for subjecting doctors and other healthcare workers to violence. Even during wars, healthcare providers are protected under international norms and are not supposed to be targeted,” Prof Taj said.
He added that ensuring the safety of healthcare workers was essential not only for their wellbeing but also for maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services for the public.
The PMDC reiterated its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and professional rights of healthcare providers and said it would continue to follow the matter until all facts surrounding the Quetta acid attack were established and appropriate action taken.
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