Karachi: Doctors around the world are at forefront of battling the deadly coronavirus, and it is only fitting that governments should fulfill their demands and take all possible steps to protect them. However, it’s not the same case in Pakistan. Instead of treating them with utmost respect, doctors who were protesting against the unavailability of protective gear in government hospitals while treating coronavirus patients, were arrested on Monday. Also Read - Coronavirus Cases in Pakistan: Cases Cross 3,000-Mark, Govt Taking Measures to Curtail Its Spread

As per an AFP report, the arrests occurred after more than 100 doctors and paramedics rallied near the Quetta’s main hospital and then moved to protest in front of the chief minister’s residence, to protest the lack of safety equipment. Not just that, the police also baton-charged the protesting doctors after they tried to enter the CM’s home, resulting in scuffles between the sides.

Some medical professionals were dragged too by police who were armed with rifles and batons, as per Reuters.

The protest was organised after 13 doctors, who were treating coronavirus patients, tested positive for the killer disease. Many doctors complained that the government was not following the World Health Organization’s guidelines for protecting doctors and other health workers.

Meanwhile, president of Young Doctors Association, Balochistan, Yasir Achakzai announced a boycott of services by the young doctors in government hospitals, following the ill-treatment.

“We were baton charged by the police and dozens have been arrested. We suspend all our services following the high-handedness of the police,” Achakzai said.

Pakistan has reported over 3,200 coronavirus cases so far, including 50 deaths.