The token strike by the Grand Health Alliance Balochistan (GHAB) continued for the 29th consecutive day on Tuesday, paralyzing outpatient department (OPD) services in government hospitals and compounding hardships for patients, particularly from remote areas of the province.
Hospitals affected include Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, and Helpers Eye Hospital in Quetta. The alliance has been staging a daily three-hour protest, demanding the withdrawal of decisions to privatize public hospitals and appoint staff in the provincial health department on a contractual basis.
‘We will continue our protest until our demands are met,’ said GHAB spokesperson Dr Saboor. The alliance has also boycotted the ongoing polio vaccination campaign, exacerbating health concerns in the province.
Patients from far-flung areas have been hit hardest, with many expressing frustration over the unavailability of timely medical assistance. Despite growing pressure, the authorities are yet to respond to GHAB’s demands, leaving the deadlock unresolved.
The strike has highlighted the strain on the province’s healthcare system, with stakeholders urging a swift resolution to avert a further crisis.