Various organisations condemn alleged assault on doctor

Dimapur, August 22 (MExN): Various organizations have voiced out condemnation on the alleged assault of Dr Atoka Wotsa, a pathologist and in-charge of the Chümoukedima TrueNat Lab, on August 21 night.

NIDA:  The Nagaland In- Service Doctors Association (NIDA), Dimapur unit condemned the incident and issued a ‘charter of demands’ for urgent perusal and necessary action. 

It demanded that authorities immediately suspend all personnel involved in the alleged assault within 24 hours and proceed with action for termination, “failing which the medical fraternity will take its on course of action.”

It also demanded that an impartial judicial enquiry be initiated into the incident.

NIDA also demanded for compensation of damaged expenses as well as medical expenses incurred during the course of treatment.

NNF: The Nagaland NGOs Forum (NNF) on Saturday wrote to the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio seeking ‘fast track justice’ on the issue.

Condemning the alleged assault on a medical doctor, the NNF appealed to the CM to ‘promptly investigate the whole gamut of the incident’ and bring the culprits to an unbiased jstice without delay.

IDANSB: In a separate statement, the Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB) condemned the “unwarranted act” of the IRB Personnel against Dr Atoka Wotsa.

It reminded of the past incidents of police brutality against doctors, and pointed out that the government had assured the medical fraternity that remedial measures will be taken so that no such untoward incident will happen in the days to come.

Stating that “time and again doctors have been victims of police brutality in the state,” the IDANSB said that the medical fraternity has been ‘tolerant and just’ in the spirit of humanity.

However, it stated that physical assault of doctors by uniformed personnel “has become a habit and cannot be tolerated anymore.”

The IDANSB appealed to the Government to look into the matter with utmost seriousness and take immediate action by suspending and terminating those personnel involved in the alleged assault.

NMDA: Meanwhile, the Nagaland Medical Dealers Association (NMDA) also demanded justice for the victim and requested the police and administration to look into the matter and punish the culprits as per law.

Pointing out that this was not the first time that a doctor on duty was assaulted by men in uniform, the NMDA further requested the authority to ensure that “no such incident takes place in future to those people who are serving the public in this pandemic.”

CPO: The Chakhroma Public Organization (CPO) termed the incident as “highly objectionable” and strongly condemned the same.

“CPO stands with Dr Atako Wotsa and appeals to concerned authorities to immediately book and punish the culprits as per the law,” it stated.

PAN: The Pathologist Association of Nagaland condemned the alleged assault on one of its colleagues and demanded immediate action from the concerned authority.

“Such actions cannot be tolerated and should not be repeated in the near future to anyone of us,” it stated.