Abbasi Shaheed Hospital doctors' protest enters sixth day over lack of security, repeated attacks on medical staff

KARACHI: The protest launched by doctors at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH), the largest healthcare facility operated by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), entered its sixth day on Sunday amid growing concerns over the safety of healthcare workers and repeated incidents of violence inside the hospital.

Since the protest began, house officers have boycotted outpatient department (OPD) services, disrupting routine patient care at one of Karachi's major public hospitals. Emergency services, however, have continued functioning to ensure critically ill and emergency patients receive essential treatment.

Doctors cite lack of security and repeated violence

The doctors say their agitation stems from what they describe as inadequate security arrangements and recurring incidents of verbal abuse, threats and physical assaults against medical professionals.

During the protest, doctors gathered outside the office of the medical superintendent and demanded immediate steps to improve security and protect healthcare workers from violence in the workplace.

The protesters had stated that meaningful action by hospital management and relevant authorities was necessary to restore confidence among medical staff and ensure a safe working environment.

Female doctors describe alarming conditions

Female doctors participating in the protest described particularly difficult conditions inside the hospital's emergency department.

According to the protesters, groups of 40 to 50 attendants and visitors frequently enter the emergency department simultaneously, creating overcrowded and intimidating conditions that make it difficult for healthcare workers to perform their duties effectively.

Doctors said the large number of attendants often increases tensions, disrupts clinical workflows and heightens concerns about the safety of both healthcare professionals and patients.

'Disputes occur almost daily'

Doctors alleged that disputes and altercations have become an almost daily occurrence in the emergency department.

According to the protesters, incidents of verbal abuse and physical assaults against healthcare workers have become increasingly common, creating fear and anxiety among staff members who are already working under demanding circumstances.

Healthcare professionals warned that the absence of effective security measures not only threatens the wellbeing of medical staff but may also compromise patient care by creating an environment that is stressful and difficult to manage.

A growing challenge across Pakistan's healthcare system

Violence against healthcare workers has become an increasingly serious concern across Pakistan, with doctors' associations and public health experts repeatedly calling for stronger legal protections and improved hospital security systems.

Medical professionals argue that safe workplaces are essential for maintaining effective healthcare services, particularly in busy public sector hospitals that routinely face high patient volumes, overcrowding and limited resources.

Experts note that workplace violence can contribute to staff burnout, lower morale, absenteeism and disruptions in healthcare delivery, ultimately affecting the quality of patient care.

What happens next?

As the protest enters its sixth day since it began, it was not immediately clear whether hospital authorities and protesting doctors had reached any breakthrough in efforts to address the security concerns.

The developments have once again brought national attention to a question increasingly being raised by healthcare professionals across Pakistan: Can doctors deliver safe and effective patient care if they themselves do not feel safe at work?

The incident has renewed calls for urgent reforms aimed at strengthening hospital security, preventing violence against healthcare workers and ensuring that public healthcare facilities remain safe environments for both medical professionals and patients.

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