Doctors protest against assault on colleague

Handwara, Aug 25: A day after doctors were assaulted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Kralgund in Handwara, doctors from the Langate block on Monday held a protest demonstration demanding strict action against those involved in the assault.Doctors who assembled at their health centres said that although one accused has been arrested, others who assisted him have not been taken into custody. They carried placards demanding justice, stating that doctors continue to perform round-the-clock duty despite being threatened.A doctor at CHC Kralgund said, “We no longer feel safe. If such a situation continues, we will be forced to resign from our jobs as we are not safe.”The protest was called after the District Development Council (DDC) Chairman, accompanied by police officials, visited the protesting doctors at Kralgund and assured them that strict action would be initiated against those involved. He said that as soon as the incident occurred, he spoke to the concerned SHO and directed him to act strictly. He also assured that volunteers would be deployed to ensure the security of doctors in the area.Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kupwara, Dr Masrat, also visited the protesting doctors and paramedics. He assured them that strict action would be taken against the culprits and hailed the medical staff for their services to the people. A paramedic said the incident took place while the doctor was on duty and was assaulted by a group of people. “Among them, only one has been arrested so far, while the rest, including the arrested person’s brother, are on the run,” he said.