Punjab Health Minister Khalil Tahir Sindhu, upon receiving news regarding violence against a lady health worker, called the incident a condemnable act and said that deterrent punishment will be awarded to the perpetrators of the crime.
The health worker in question, Tehmina, was paying door to door visits as part of an anti-dengue awareness campaign when the incident occurred. The health minister reached Shahdara Police Station immediately after being informed and expressed solidarity with the lady health workers who were there staging a protest. The station head officer (SHO) Shahdara said that a case has been registered against the accused. One of the perpetrators, Mehmood Butt, has been arrested but his son, Mehboob Butt, has escaped.
Sindhu assured lady health workers that the government will provide them complete security. He added that lady health workers are playing a vanguard role in the efforts of the Punjab chief minister to eradicate dengue and other diseases, and that the government will ensure complete protection for every government servant.
Sindhu also told the media that when the incident occurred, the victim was pregnant and had gone forward with public welfare activities despite severe weather conditions. He said that the incident has caused fear among lady health workers and instructions have been issued to include a charge of terrorism in the relevant FIR.
In response to the complaints of lady health workers against the Health Department Deputy District Officer Ravi Town Dr Shahbaz, the health minister ordered his suspension and for departmental action to be taken against him. He also directed the executive district officer (EDO) to take necessary action. Later, the minister visited ShahdaraHospital to inquire after the victim, and directed doctors to provide the best treatment facilities for her.
