1. Home
2. Front Page

Employees at Frisal hospital suspend work after army beat their colleagues

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 7/12/2017 10:16:48 AM

KULGAM, July 11: The thrashing of para-medical staff posted at primary health centre (PHC) Frisal in Kulgam district by the security forces last night triggered protests by the medical and para-medical staff of the hospital. The employees in protest against what they termed high handedness by security forces also stayed away from the work throughout the day.
Hospital sources said that the incident took place at around 9:30 PM last evening after the two youth who had suffered injuries in motorcycle accident reached the hospital for treatment, both of whom were discharged after being given first aid.
"Two motorcycle borne youth came to the hospital at 9 pm for treatment. They had multiple injuries in different body parts. We discharged both of them after the necessary treatment," said a para-medic posted in the hospital.
He said that half-an-hour after the two boys were treated and discharged, army men from the nearby camp came running and abusing inside the hospital.
"The security men without listening to us only kept on abusing and asking why we did not inform them about the two injured boys having reached the hospital for treatment," an employee posted in the hospital told Kashmir Times on conditions of anonymity.
A para-medic who himself was thrashed by the army said that the army men in a fit of anger asked them to stand against the wall. "After making us sit against the wall army personal switched off the lights and started beating us for at least twenty minutes. Though they did not beat the doctor on night day but abused him as well after he asked them to stop beating us," the employee said.
The employees thrashed were identified as Tanveer Ahmed, Firdos Ahmed and Abdul Hamid.
Another thrashed employee wishing anonymity said, "We wonder why we should have informed them about who came to hospital for seeking treatment. We are bound to provide treatment to anyone who comes to hospital. It is frightening to see the bruised bodies of our colleagues. How can we perform our duties in such a fearful atmosphere. Our higher ups must ensure the action against army officials involved so that this highhandedness comes to an end".
The employees posted at the healthcare facility Tuesday sat on protest against the incident and stayed away from work. They were demanding action against the army personal involved.
However the top officials of the health department maintained that they have resolved the matter amicably with army.
"We lodged our complaint with deputy commissioner who took up the matter with army officials. The army officials have tendered apology for what they have done. The issue has been resolved amicably," said chief medical officer, Kulgam, Dr Shafi.