COVID-19: Hajin doctors and Paramedics go on strike after DC Bandipora “abuses” them

Suhail Rather

Hajin (Bandipora)09 April (PTK): At a time when Government is claiming that Doctors and Para-medical staff are risking their lives in the line of duty, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Shahbaz Mirza allegedly abused a Medical officer when he was on a visit to Hajin block forcing doctors and Para-medical staff to go for a strike in Coronavirus hit Hajin Block of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

Bandipora has witnessed over 35 confirmed Covid-19 cases so for. “We are working day in and day out with dedication and yet we receive abuses and incentives from the officials who never dare to come close to a Covid-19 patient,” said a doctor.

Dr Muzafar Zargar said that it is second time that the DC Bandipora misbehaved with the staff. He said, despite Hajin Block is working day and night during present Covid-19 crisis, but the block are not getting an effective cooperation from district administration.

He said the entire medical staff of the block will keep their strike on till the futher investigation is taken place by the higher authority.

The doctors said that they won’t resume the work till action is initiated against the DDC Bandipora. They said DDC Bandipora has no courtesy and at least he should apologize for his behavior.

Meanwhile, SDM and Nodal Officer for Coronavirus visited Hajin and tried to persuade the health professions to call off their strike, however, the doctors and para-medical staff didn’t oblige and sought apology from the DDC Bandipora.

When contacted Block medical officer(BMO) Dr. Aijaz Ahmad said that he is also a part of this protest, and strike will not end until and unless the matter is taken into consideration by higher authorities. (PTK)