from HANSLEY NABAB in Port Louis, Mauritius
Mauritius Bureau
PORT LOUIS, (CAJ News) – MAURITIUS has condemned the recent attacks against health workers.
The government has warned that the law will take its course amid the unprecedented violence.
The Sir Anerood Jugnauth Hospital and Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital have been the epicentres of the attacks.
Recently, some 15 to 20 individuals attacked a doctor at the Sir Anerood Jugnauth Hospital while he was carrying out his duties.
The doctor sustained injuries but has since recovered and been discharged.
On Tuesday night, an incident at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital involved a surgical resident medical officer in the paediatric department.
It was triggered by rumours circulating about the death of a child who had been under treatment for abdominal pain.
The doctor was severely assaulted, receiving multiple blows and kicks, resulting in fractures to the facial and nasal bones, septal damage, a haematoma, and a perforated right tympanic membrane.
At the time of writing, the victim was admitted to hospital for treatment.
Anil Kumar Bachoo, Minister of Health and Wellness, denounced the attacks.
“Any form of physical violence against hospital staff will not be tolerated,” he said in Ebène, during a press conference.
Assaulting a person on duty, particularly where bleeding occurs, results in a fine of Rs200 000 (US$4 244) and imprisonment of up to five years.
The health ministry has sought police assistance to ensure that hospital services are not disrupted.
– CAJ News