The Young Doctors’ Association (YDA) at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has strongly condemned a violent attack on an on-duty doctor and announced a boycott of outpatient department (OPD) services across all departments at JPMC for today.
According to the YDA, Dr. Shewaram, a duty doctor in Medical ICU Ward 23, was brutally assaulted last night by a group of 10-15 individuals following a dispute regarding the admission of a patient into the ICU. The attackers reportedly assaulted the doctor physically, harassed other healthcare workers, and stole personal belongings including his mobile phone, cash, gold ring, and chain.
In a statement issued by YDA JPMC, the association blamed the JPMC administration—especially the security department—for its failure to provide a secure working environment. They highlighted the severe shortage of ICU beds as a major factor contributing to the incident. “There are only nine functional beds in the Medical ICU and although there is a 30-bed Surgical ICU, only 7-8 beds are operational,” the statement read.
YDA JPMC also voiced strong opposition to the filing of an FIR against doctors involved in the incident, calling it unjust and demanding that the actual culprits be brought to justice.
The association has presented the following demands:
- Immediate registration of an FIR against the attackers and their arrest
- Suspension of SHO Police Station Saddar
- Withdrawal of the FIR lodged against the doctors
- Implementation of the Security Bill for healthcare workers
- Improved security measures within hospital premises
- Expansion of ICU facilities to accommodate critical patients effectively
In protest, OPD services at JPMC will remain suspended for the day. The YDA has warned that if their demands are not met, the boycott will be extended and further steps will be taken.
YDA JPMC has urged authorities to take swift action to ensure the safety and protection of all medical professionals working under challenging conditions.
