Attacked by goons, doctors on coronavirus duty return for screening
The entire nation was shamed this week when a group of doctors was attacked in Madhya Pradesh's Indore for merely doing their duties. In the city's Tatt Patti Bakhal area, healthcare workers were pelted with stones and abused, a video of which went viral. But despite the horrendous incident, the same set of doctors returned to the area to screen people for coronavirus.
Health workers looked for suspects, had to face stone pelting
A team of health workers, including two female doctors, was attacked by unruly goons when they went to the locality to screen people. The densely populated area has been labeled as one of the epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic after a 65-year-old passed away. At least 54 residents of the area have been quarantined and officials were looking for more suspects.
People pelted stones, we ran for lives: Doctor
One of the doctors said they were given a list of possible COVID-19 patients, whom they were screening when suddenly some people started pelting stones. Subsequently, they ran for their lives. A cleaner of Indore Municipal Corporation, Kuldeep, said he also had to flee. "We were cleaning an open drain when a mob forced us to leave. Some of them pelted stones," he added.
You can watch the video here
We will not be scared: Dr. Zakira Sayed
Despite the despicable attack, the doctors didn't leave their jobs and returned on duty. Dr. Zakiya Sayed told ANI that they had been screening people for the last four days, but what they witnessed on Thursday was unprecedented. "We sustained injuries but we have to do our job and will not be scared," she said. The same thought was reflected by her colleague.
Flanked by officers, another doctor said they won't be defeated
Separately, Dr. Tripti said they will not be defeated and added, "Today, we are back on the job and we will continue doing this." Fortunately, on their second visit to the area, they were accompanied by administrative officers and police. The support helped them start from where they had left off. The residents also came out on the streets and apologized to the doctors.
On second visit, locals apologized to health workers
A local named Mukhtar Mansauri apologized for the attack and claimed people were inside houses when it happened. "We have been supporting the health officials for the last eight days. Yesterday, they visited another street, where people misunderstood their intentions," he added and assured that the authorities will receive support. As the health workers traveled through lanes, residents came outside and apologized.
Human rights only for humans, Shivraj had said
Meanwhile, police registered a case against 10 for attacking the workers and seven have been arrested. Weighing in on the matter, newly-inducted Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan gave a stern warning to miscreants. "This is not just a tweet. This is a strict warning ... Human rights are only for humans," he said, in a rare outburst. Earlier, Jyotiraditya Scindia also demanded action.
