Srinagar: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Wednesday condemned in strong words thrashing of an ambulance driver by forces at Hajin when he was ferrying injured patients.

President DAK  Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said this act of hooliganism against medical staff while he was discharging his duties is unacceptable.Yesterday an ambulance which was returning from a hospital in Srinagar was stopped at Hajin by forces and the driver was taken inside the camp where he was thrashed.

Yesterday an ambulance which was returning from a hospital in Srinagar was stopped at Hajin by forces and the driver was taken inside the camp where he was thrashed.

Dr Hassan said such acts of intimidation against hospital staff who provide help to sick and wounded is shocking.

“It is ironical that medical staff who risk their own lives to attend duties are thrashed,” he added.

 “In the past also, there have been number of attacks on ambulances and medical staff and these incidents of disruption of medical services are costing lives,” he said.

 He said these episodes have generated a fear among medical staff and under these savage circumstances it is hard for them to  remain focused while performing their duties which is taking a heavy toll on patients.

 Dr Hassan said in order to save sick and wounded, it is imperative to fascilitate free movement of ambulances and hospital staff.

“Under international humanitarian law medical neutrality has to be maintained in all times, he said adding that as per the law all parties must refrain from attacking medical facilities, transport and personnel.”

“And it is obligatory on state to protect medical personnel and ambulances from attacks,” said Dr Hassan.

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