Attack On Doctor A Violation Of Human Rights
LOVEJOY MUTONGWIZA
Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights (ZDHR) has castigated the recent attack on medical doctors who were assisting victims of the violent clashes between opposition members and state security agents.
There are reports that human rights doctors were forced to flee from a private medical facility while treating wounded patients who fell victim to the recent merciless attack by the army on civilians.
A ZDHR who spoke on condition of anonymity said the attack leaves a sour taste as it is a gross violation of human rights.
“The attack violates human rights and patients’ right to seek free medical treatment. What happened must be condemned.
“If those who are being treated are accused of any wrongdoing they have to be given healthcare services in the presence of the police and not be attacked by the army.” said the senior doctor who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation.
“Some doctors might be living in fear and unable to administer treatment at free will and that puts the lives of the affected at danger,” the official said.
The damning report by the National Transitional Justice Working Group (NTJWG) alleges that doctors who were treating the victims are being hunted down by state security agents.
“Human rights doctors who have been treating the wounded are now in hiding as the state is hunting them down for treating victims of military and police brutality which has resulted in several deaths and injuries to civilians,” says the report.
“Victims are not safe when receiving medical care.
“On 21 January 2019, the soldiers stormed a private medical facility where 28 victims of military brutality were receiving treatment and further assaulted and arrested them.”
However, CSU director, Francis Lovemore, however, said all his members were fine and had not received reports of the intimidation.
“No we are all fine and not that we are of (any attacks on members),” said Dr Lovemore.
