By Asif Mahmood Awan
ABBOTTABAD: The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Hazara chapter has termed the murder of Dr Mehwish in Kohat “deeply regrettable” and demanded that the accused be punished to the fullest extent of the law, while urging the provincial government to immediately implement the Health Security Act.
Addressing an emergency press conference at the Abbottabad Press Club, YDA Hazara President Dr Ismail Khan, accompanied by Dr Aimal, Dr Iftikhar, Dr Omar, Dr Bilal, Dr Muhammad Ali, Dr Jawad and Dr Suleman, said incidents of violence against doctors have created an atmosphere of insecurity in public hospitals.
Dr Ismail Khan said that without effective implementation of the Health Security Act, it has become increasingly difficult for doctors to perform their duties. He stated that healthcare professionals are facing pressure and interference due to a lack of security mechanisms.
The YDA representatives expressed concern over what they described as silence from elected representatives regarding the killing of Dr Mehwish. They also called for the findings of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report related to Dr Warda’s case to be made public.
The doctors said the Health Security Act was announced in 2020 but has yet to be fully implemented. They added that a draft of the legislation is now ready and urged the provincial government to convene a meeting to ensure its immediate enforcement.
They warned that if their demands are not addressed, protests would be organised in Kohat, Swat, Bannu and Abbottabad. The association said its objective is to strengthen the healthcare system and ensure the safety of medical professionals.
During the press conference, the doctors also expressed solidarity with national security institutions and reiterated their commitment to providing medical services wherever required.
The event concluded with prayers for Dr Mehwish.
