Rawalpindi: Nursing and paramedical personnel at the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) staged a work stoppage and demonstration inside the hospital premises on Monday following the alleged assault and harassment of an in charge nurse by relatives of a patient.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at Waris Khan police station by in charge nurse Sitara Saleem, the incident occurred at around 5:00 am in the RIC emergency ward when three daughters of a female patient were asked to leave the treatment area. The women allegedly became enraged, verbally abused the nurse, and dragged her towards the male ward, where two male relatives joined in the physical attack. The complainant stated that the suspects tore her uniform, attempted to strip her, and threatened her with dismissal from her post, citing their wealth and influence.
The protest severely impacted hospital operations, causing the closure of the main external gates and disrupting services across the emergency department and inpatient wards. Demonstrators demanded immediate legal action and enhanced security measures for healthcare workers.
City Police Officer Abid Khan and Station House Officer Raja Tasaduq arrived at the scene to negotiate with the striking staff, assuring them that a formal criminal case was being registered and that police teams were conducting raids to arrest the suspects.
Following these assurances, the nurses and paramedics called off their demonstration and resumed their duties. Police have formally registered a case charging three female and two male suspects with using physical force against a woman, insulting female modesty, and criminal intimidation.
Simultaneously, the RIC management has initiated administrative action by suspending the Deputy Medical Superintendent (DMS), Assistant Medical Superintendent (AMS) Emergency, the night duty supervisor, and the security supervisor pending a full investigation.
RIC’s Executive Director has constituted a three member inquiry committee comprising Prof. Misbah Durrani, Dr Abdul Malik Sheikh, and Dr Abdus Salam Azad to examine CCTV footage, record staff statements, and submit a comprehensive report within seven days.
