QUETTA: A female doctor was seriously injured in an acid attack inside the Surgical Ward of Civil Hospital Quetta on Saturday, hospital officials and police said.
The attack occurred when an unidentified man allegedly threw acid on Dr. Mah Noor inside the ward before fleeing the scene. Another person was also injured in the incident.
Dr. Mah Noor sustained severe burn injuries and was initially treated at the hospital before being shifted to a private medical facility for specialized care.
Police said the motive behind the attack was not immediately clear. An investigation has been launched and multiple aspects of the case are being examined.
Speaking at a press conference, representatives of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Balochistan said the acid was thrown on the doctor’s face and body. They said preliminary information suggested the suspected attacker was a lift operator and private employee.
The YDA said doctors no longer felt safe even within the premises of public hospitals. It also criticized security arrangements at Civil Hospital, describing them as inadequate.
According to the association, the injured doctor suffered burns to approximately 35 percent of her body.
The YDA further questioned the hospital’s emergency response, alleging that the victim had to be transferred to a private facility because adequate treatment arrangements were unavailable at Civil Hospital.
The association also raised concerns about the overall state of the healthcare system and called for immediate reforms.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti took notice of the incident and ordered a detailed report.
According to Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the provincial government, the injured doctor was transferred to Aria Institute of Medical Sciences in Quetta for advanced treatment. An air ambulance has also been kept on standby in case she needs to be moved to Karachi.
Meanwhile, police said the suspect wanted in connection with the acid attack was later killed in an exchange of fire with law enforcement personnel.
SHO Civil Lines Javed Haider said the suspect, who was allegedly involved in the attack on the female doctor, died during a police encounter. Further legal proceedings are underway, he added.
