Despite a constant threat to their health and a distressing scarcity of personal protective equipment, medical professionals are tirelessly treating COVID-19 patients. They deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. However, there are a few in the country who are harassing them instead. After alarming incidents in Indore and Surat, another one has come to light from Delhi.
According to NDTV, on April 8, two doctors of Safdarjung Hospital were assaulted while they were buying groceries in a Gautam Nagar market.
2 female doctors posted at Emergency Dept of Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, were allegedly assaulted by their neighbour in Gautam Nagar.This incident took place around 9:30 pm when both went outside to buy fruits: Dr Manish,Safdarjung Hospital Resident Doctors Association President
— ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2020
India Today quoted Dr. Manish Kumar, President of Resident Doctors Association saying,
“A local resident, who was in the vicinity, asked them to stay away from the fruit stall, saying you doctors bring infection from the hospital and spread it here.”
News18 quoted him adding,
“When the doctors retaliated and argued with the man on his accusation, he slapped them and twisted their hands. The local residents intervened and saved the doctors but the man ran away from the spot.”
According to Business Today, the local resident in his 40s has been nabbed by the cops. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Atul Kumar Thakur said, “We have registered a case and arrested an accused in connection with the incident.”
"We were buying fruits when a man started to shout at us to maintain distance. He blamed us for spreading Coronavirus&hit us,"say the 2 female doctors posted at Emergency Dept of Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital,who were allegedly assaulted by their neighbour in GautamNagar last night pic.twitter.com/IT4DRfb5or
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2020
Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain has confirmed legal action against people who discriminate against healthcare workers. We hope that the guilty are punished for their shameful behaviour.