DIMAPUR — The
Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (NIDA) and the Rengma Doctors’ Forum
(RDF) have condemned the alleged “brutal assault” on an on-duty staff nurse at
CHC Tseminyu on the night of April 18 by one Njilo Tep of Tseminyu village.
In a press release, the NIDA pointed out that obstructing a
government employee from executing their duty is an offence under Section 186
and Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The association also maintained that under IPC 320, physical
assault on the head which endangers life is considered a “grievous injury.”
“The crime of assaulting a healthcare worker on duty is a
punishable offence in The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act 2020, underscoring
the gravity of the offence.
“The offence is cognisable and non-bailable. The rising
incidence of violence against healthcare workers is a growing concern and
merits zero tolerance,” the association said.
Extending solidarity to the nursing fraternity, the NIDA
urged the adjudicating authority of the incident to ensure that the crime is
not condoned but award exemplary punishment to the culprit as per the provision
of law.
In a separate release, the Rengma Doctors’ Forum (RDF)
condemned the “heinous assault” on Opangkokla, staff nurse of CHC Tseminyu, by
Njilo Tep, a patient attendant. According to the forum, the accused assaulted
the on-duty nurse in a “drunken state” while she was performing her
professional duties.
“This incident is not only a blatant act of violence against
a frontline health worker but also a direct attack on the dignity and sanctity
of the healthcare profession. Such unacceptable behaviour creates an
environment of fear, demoralisation, and insecurity among the health staff, especially
those serving under challenging circumstances,” the forum said.
The forum urged the district administration and police
authorities to take immediate and exemplary legal action against the accused so
that “justice is served and a strong message is sent to deter such acts in the
future.”
“We also request that security measures be reviewed and
strengthened at all healthcare institutions in the district to ensure the
safety of medical and paramedical staff, particularly during night duty.”
TNAI Nagaland expresses outrage
The Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI), Nagaland
Branch, has expressed shock and outrage over the incident.
In a condemnation note, the TNAI Nagaland reminded that any
unprovoked assault on a government servant while performing official duties is
a serious criminal offence.
While urging the authorities to take swift and stringent
action against the perpetrator, the association insisted that the law must take
its full course, not only to deliver justice to the victim but also to send a
clear message that violence against healthcare workers will not be tolerated
under any circumstances.
“We also urge that the nurse who was assaulted be
transferred to a facility of her choice, as she no longer feels safe at her
current place of duty. Her physical and emotional well-being must be given the
highest priority. No nurse should ever have to work under threat, fear, or
duress,” the TNAI said.
“This incident once again highlights the urgent need for a
safe and secure working environment for female healthcare workers. We call upon
the relevant authorities to implement concrete measures, both immediate and
long-term, to ensure the safety and dignity of all healthcare personnel,
particularly women, who remain especially vulnerable in such settings.”
