LAHORE: The Punjab chapter of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) condemned the torture of a doctor at Children’s Hospital in Lahore on Thursday and demanded stricter legal action against the attackers.

A meeting at the PMA House in Lahore, presided over by PMA Punjab President Dr Ghulam Shabbir, expressed a strong reaction to the incident, stating that it has caused panic and distress among medical communities nationwide.

They urged the government to take immediate notice and include additional non-bailable offenses in the FIR filed against the attackers. The gathering also passed a resolution condemning the attack on the doctor who was severely injured while on duty.

During a media interaction, PMA leaders criticised the inadequate security arrangements for healthcare professionals. They emphasised the need for stricter laws to prevent such incidents in the future.

Additionally, they called for the suspension of the director of medical services of the Children’s Hospital, citing the failure to rescue the doctor during the attack on the hospital premises.

PMA leaders announced their plan to expand the scope of their agitation across Punjab to pressure the government into addressing their demands.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2023