Police on Sunday arrested a man for allegedly attacking an on-duty doctor at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Kralgund in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
An official told Rising Kashmir that the incident took place when an attendant, identified as Javid Ahmad Khan of Mushnar, Gundchubutra, assaulted the doctor while he was performing his duties at the hospital. “The accused was immediately taken into custody after an FIR was registered at Kralgund Police Station,” the official said.
Soon after the incident, locals and members of the civil society condemned the attack and held a protest in the area, demanding strict punishment for the accused. Civil society members also hailed the timely action of Handwara police, noting that the accused was arrested in record time. They further urged authorities to ensure safety of doctors and medical staff at health facilities.
Meanwhile, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) strongly condemned the assault, terming it “barbaric, unacceptable and a direct attack on the medical fraternity.” DAK President Dr M Y Tak said such shameful conduct is intolerable and an attack on the very foundation of the healthcare system. Dr Ayjaz Ahmad Bhat, President DAK Kupwara, added that slapping or intimidating staff at PHC or CHC Kralgund is reprehensible and undermines ethics and humanity. Senior Vice President Dr Gulzar stressed that doctors work round-the-clock in difficult conditions, and any violence demoralises staff and disrupts health services.
DAK called for strict legal action, a time-bound investigation and enhanced security at health facilities to ensure the safety and dignity of medical staff.
