KARACHI, April 7: On the call of the Pakistan Medical Association, city doctors on Monday, along with members of the medical community in all other parts of the country, would observe a complete strike, to protest against the killings and organized harassment of doctors.

Doctors at all the hospitals, clinics and other health institutions, both public and private, would take part in the strike and not perform their duties.

However, despite the strike, emergency cover would be available at all the hospitals and health institutions.

Secretary general of the PMA, Dr Shershah Syed, in a press statement said that PMA was deeply worried about the safety of doctors. He also regretted that because of the current situation, doctors in large number were immigrating to other countries.

Reminding the government of its duty in providing protection to the citizens, the PMA general secretary stated: ‘if it does not wake up now, the government will soon find the country deprived of doctors, particularly specialists’.

Moreover, the PMA Central Council has also created a fund for the families of murdered doctors, in need of financial assistance for continuing education of their children.

Donations can be submitted directly to the Standard Chartered and Grindlays Bank in account number 01-8618763-01.

A meeting of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Association on Sunday also endorsed the PMA decision on observing a complete strike on Monday.

The meeting was presided over by association chairman Dr Agha Javed.