‘Pitches for Medical Neutrality’
Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today condemned in strong words attack on doctors and paramedical staff of SKIMS by security forces at Beehama chowk of Ganderbal.
President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said it is unacceptable that medical personnel who risk their lives to attend duties were thrashed.
On Friday a team of SKIMS staff was attacked by security forces at Beehama while returning from providing life-saving medical care. Even the female staff was humiliated and harassed. Also, some miscreants damaged two ambulances of Chadoora hospital at Daulatpora and threatened staff which included females.
Such acts of intimidation against medical staff who provide help to sick and wounded is shocking. Doctors and paramedics face humiliation at several places and their identity cards are not respected. This mad pattern of atrocities has generated fear and anxiety among health care workers. This systematic disregard to International Humanitarian Law violates medical neutrality which refers to non-interference with medical services in times of war and civil unrest.
Physicians must be allowed to care for sick and wounded. All parties must refrain from attacking medical facilities, transport and personnel. All individuals regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or political affiliation must receive care. It is obligatory on society and duty of state to protect medical personnel from attacks.
