An anti-measles team was allegedly attacked by a family for conducting an “anti-Islam” activity in Shah Jamal area of Muzaffargarh district, police said Sunday.
According to police, health worker Riyaz Hussain, a resident of Mauza Daanrain, submitted an application to Shah Jamal police in which he stated that he along with three lady workers went to Basti Gazar to administer anti-measles vaccine to children below seven years of age.
When the team reached the house of Abdur Rehman to administer anti-measles vaccine, he started beating them and threw their kit. “They also torn my clothes, kicked lady health workers out of his house and accused us of promoting anti-Islam activities,” Riyaz said.
“Abdur Rehman said that the vaccination was made by non-Muslims and thus it was haram (forbidden). He termed it a conspiracy against Muslims. Police registered a case against Abdur Rehman and his brother Ramazan.”
In another incident in Muzaffargarh district, lady health worker Naseem Bibi accused her colleague Fiyyaz of sexual harassment in workplace – Rangpur Rural Health Centre.
Naseem Bibi alleged that Fiyyaz harassed her at the workplace on October 18 and when she refused he pulled the victim’s hair and slapped in her face.
A number of lady health workers staged a protest in front of office of Muzaffargarh chief executive officer (Health) the same day and demanded strict punishment for Fiyyaz.
Muzaffargarh Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohammad Siddique while taking action over the written application of the victim appointed Medical Officer Dr Waqas Zafar for a probe. Inquiry Officer Dr Waqas Zafar said that Fiyyaz was found guilty of harassment during the investigation and subsequently suspended from the service.
However, lady health workers said that Fyiyaz was posted in Muzaffargarh and no strict action was taken against him. They said that Fiyyaz should be suspended immediately and strict legal action be taken against him. They demanded safe work environment and said they would not resume their duties till Fiyyaz is suspended.
Published in Daily Times, October 22nd 2018.
