MULTAN: The Young Doctors Association (YDA) went on strike at various public sector hospitals on Saturday after a sweeper allegedly tried to rape a female medical officer three days ago in the emergency ward of the Shaikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital (SZMCH). Besides the outpatient departments (OPDs) of major hospitals in the province were closed, OPD of the Nishtar Hospital Multan was shut under the leadership of YDA Multan president Dr Faran Aslam. Reportedly, YDA spokesperson Dr Khizar Hayat said that the protest staged solidarity with the woman medical officer and aimed to secure dignity of a white coat. “YDA Multan believes in work and struggle to stand for truth and justice. All doctors and sister organisations are invited to join hands with us for maintenance of security and doctors’ services,” YDA chairman Dr Ch Ateeq ul Rehman said. Meanwhile, protesters demanded registration of an FIR (First Information Report) and passage of a doctors’ safety bill by the provincial assembly for ensuring security of female doctors in the hospitals’ premises. According to reports, the sweeper tried to overpower the doctor when she was alone in her room. However, she screamed to alert the security guards and managed to escape the ordeal unscathed. Security guards took the suspect into custody and handed him over to police. Meanwhile, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Multan held an emergent meeting which was presided over by Prof Dr Masood Hiraj. Doctors strongly condemned the act and demanded an impartial inquiry of the matter after suspension of the sweeper. Moreover, the PMA representatives also appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to take suo moto notice of the incident and suspend negligent administration, and rectify security system of the hospital or otherwise, they warned that they could initiate demonstrations for an indefinite period of time. On the other hand, Sheikh Zayed Medical College Prof Dr Mubarak Ali Chaudhry and Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Ghulam Rabbani have been suspended over charges of negligence during their duties under Section 6 of the Punjab Employees Discipline and Accountability Act 2006 (PEDA). Moreover, Dr Abdur Rehman of BS-20 has been appointed as a principal and Dr Khalid Mehmood has given additional charge of MS till issuance of further directives. YDA member Dr Shabbir Waracih alleged that MS Dr Ghulam Rabbani has pressurised the victim for not disclosing the matter. However, police spokesperson Zeeshan Randhawa told the media that an FIR has been lodged against the suspect. Published in Daily Times, September 23rd 2018.