Date:03/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/03/stories/2007120361320100.htm

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MIM activists attack doctors at Niloufer

Staff Reporter

Alleged delay in providing treatment to child

—Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Belligerent mood: The rally of medicos, organised in protest against the alleged manhandling of doctors at Niloufer Hospital by MIM activists, being intercepted by the police near MJ Market on Sunday night.

HYDERABAD: Tension prevailed at Niloufer Hospital on Sunday after MIM activists attacked duty doctors for the alleged delay in giving treatment to a child.

Following the incident, doctors began an indefinite strike boycotting even emergency services in protest against the highhanded behaviour of MIM legislator Afsar Khan and his supporters. Doctors also demanded the police to book attempt to murder cases against the leaders.

“We will not attend to duties till round-the-clock security is provided in the hospital, besides a police outpost on permanent basis,” Junior Doctors Association State president G. Raju said.

A demonstration was held at Osmania General Hospital.

Complaint lodged

According to the doctors, an MIM activist, Junaid Khan, from Asifnagar, admitted his one-year-old daughter as she was suffering from respiratory problem.

Junaid and his relatives later started creating a ‘ruckus’ for the delay in giving treatment to the baby.

Later, they took the child to a private hospital in Boggulkunta where she was being treated.

The police summoned Junaid after doctors lodged a complaint against him.

After learning about the detention of Junaid, the legislator went to the hospital and asked doctors to withdraw the case.

Doctors manhandled

When doctors refused to oblige, he and his supporters started abusing them. They dragged doctors till the main gate and manhandled them.

Lady doctors too were not spared, Mr Raju said. Later in the night, the police arrested the legislator and his associate Naseerullah and released them on bail.