QUETTA, Dec 13: The Balochistan chapter of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) called off doctors’ two-month-long strike in government and private hospitals on Thursday after successful negotiations with the provincial government.

The negotiations were held between PMA’s provincial chief Dr Sultan Tareen and Health Secretary Asmatullah Kakar.

Speaking at a press conference along with the secretary and the Quetta commissioner, Dr Tareen said the government had agreed to reinstate striking doctors and withdraw cases lodged against them and in response the doctors were going to end their strike.

“Doctors will start joining their duties in the out-patient departments of all government hospitals on Friday and will also serve patients in the emergency, operation theatres and wards.”

He said a committee set up after talks between the PMA and the health secretary held at the Quetta Press Club a few days ago had helped resolve the crisis faced by the health sector because of the strike.

The doctors had gone on strike to protest targeted killings and kidnappings for ransom of their colleagues.

He said misunderstandings between the PMA and the provincial government had been removed and the deadlock had ended.

The health secretary said a notification was being issued to withdraw an FIR registered against 73 doctors after they held a demonstration near the Governor’s House against the kidnapping of Dr Saeed Khan.

“The committee is compiling recommendations to withdraw the cases and orders of suspension of doctors. Notices to vacate their official residences will also be withdrawn.”

The OPD and emergency departments in government hospitals opened on Thursday night, albeit with a thin presence of doctors.