PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - The strike by doctors protesting the murder of Lady Doctor Mehwish in Kohat entered its fourth consecutive day, with healthcare services across multiple districts severely affected.
The protest movement has gained momentum, drawing participation from doctors, paramedics, nurses, and medical college students demanding immediate action and enhanced security measures.
According to officials, all hospital services remain suspended except for emergency care due to the ongoing strike.
Government hospitals in southern districts have been impacted, while doctors in Mardan have also announced a boycott of Outpatient Department (OPD) services.
Medical staff in Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Hangu, and Mardan have refrained from attending hospitals, leaving routine patients facing significant difficulties.
Speaking on behalf of the Young Doctors Association, Dr. Asfandyar stated that the boycott of all services except emergency treatment would continue until concrete security measures are implemented.
He said doctors and medical staff feel increasingly unsafe in their workplaces, stressing the urgent need to enforce the Hospital Security Act.
He added that the issue has escalated beyond general security concerns to the very protection of doctors’ lives, accusing the provincial government of failing to ensure their safety.
It is worth noting that Dr. Mehwish was shot dead three days ago while returning home from the hospital in Kohat.
According to the post-mortem report, she sustained eight bullet wounds, highlighting the brutal nature of the attack.
Police officials confirmed that evidence has been collected from the crime scene and CCTV footage has been obtained, leading to the identification of suspects. Raids are currently being conducted to arrest those involved in the killing.
Authorities have assured that efforts are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice as tensions remain high within the medical community.