Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 25: A doctor on duty was allegedly assaulted by attendants of a patient at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Kralgund in north Kashmir’s Kupwara, sparking protests by doctors and paramedics who demanded strict action against the accused.
According to details, an attendant accompanying a patient allegedly attacked the doctor and the medical team after a brief verbal argument, resulting in injuries to the doctor.
Following the incident, the doctor lodged a complaint, after which the police swiftly arrested the accused and registered an FIR under relevant sections of law.
As a mark of protest, doctors and paramedics from the CHC as well as the SDH Langate today boycotted routine work and staged a sit-in, holding placards and raising slogans. Emergency services, however, continued as usual.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kupwara, Dr. Masarat Iqbal Wani, condemned the incident, saying that necessary action had been initiated against the accused and an investigation was underway.
“No one is allowed to take the law into their own hands. Strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty,” he said.
The CMO emphasized that a hospital is a sensitive institution where patience, tolerance, and understanding are essential.
The protesting doctors stressed the need for urgent legislation to ensure strict action against those involved in such assaults.
The protesters alleged that the Government was failing to address the root cause of the problem and, instead, often initiated action against doctors rather than those who created the ruckus.
Meanwhile, the J&K Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association (JKPHDCA) condemned the attack and demanded strict action against the culprit.
Mir Faizan, President of JKPHDCA, said such acts are unacceptable and compromise the delivery of medical services.
Dr. Masood ul Hassan, General Secretary of the association, while appreciating the swift police action, stressed that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of doctors and medical staff.
“Ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals is crucial for maintaining the integrity of healthcare services in J&K. Concrete steps must be taken in this regard,” he added.
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