'I don't want to continue my job', says Patiala doctor after being 'thrashed' by villagers for following COVID norms

Karam Prakash
Tribune News Service
Patiala, April 8

‘I don’t want to continue my job’, said a medical officer of Patiala Health Department after he was thrashed by villages for following the COVID norms. 

The medical officer—posted in Dhudhan Sadhan Block—was allegedly mercilessly beaten during a cremation ceremony of a COVID patient at Chahut village on Tuesday afternoon. 

“I am extremely, and if this is what I have to face while being on duty then I better call it a day”, said the 39-year-old doctor.  

Reportedly, the doctor could flee the cremation ground only after the intervention of some other people of the same village. 

The doctor added that he was “disappointed” that no action had been taken place so far, despite a complaint to his seniors.  

Dr Kiran Verma, Senior Medical Officer, Dudhan Sadhan, said: “The officer was beaten after he (doctor) objected taking the photos of the dead corona positive patient because it was against the protocol. Our doctor was thrashed by the villagers. His body still has marks.”

When questioned about filing a complaint to the concerned police station, Dr Kiran Walia answered: “I have verbally informed the Station House officer. He assured me of taking action.”

Meantime, SHO Julkan, said that he was not aware of any such incident, however, he would take action if a complaint was made.

Reportedly, the villagers were upset over the death of a 55-year-old, Charu Kaur, Covid patient.  

When asked about taking up the matter with police, Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr Satinder Singh said: “The SMO told me that he has already filed a complaint. This is shameful that doctors working in COVID are being beaten.”