22 August 2004	Sunday	05 Rajab 1425

PESHAWAR, Aug 21: The NWFP Printing Press Association on Friday protested against the alleged negligence of Lady Reading Hospital doctors towards an injured worker.

Association members came out on road and blocked the Qissakhwani bazaar, alleging that the hospital staff had not properly examined their associate.

But hospital sources told Dawn on Friday that at around 2:30am a printing press worker, Ayaz, son of Jehangir, was brought to the hospital. He had injured his index finger

The sources said that after initial examination, the patient was referred to the casualty department and discharged after dressing.

But attendants of the patient insisted on stitching which would not be effective, the sources added.

Consequently, at around 10am on Friday, printing press workers led by their leader Azam Arein staged a protest demonstration and the bazaar to suspend business activities.

When a police party rushed to the spot and started negotiation with the workers, protestors insisted on marching towards the hospital.

Later, they dispersed peacefully, but demanded a strict action against the 'negligent' hospital staff.

Meanwhile, the secretary health directed the LRH management to begin a probe into the issue and the hospital management assigned the deputy medical superintendent of the casualty to conduct an inquiry against the medical staff.

Speaking to reporters, the assigned officer said the patient had been handled professionally and expressed satisfaction over performance of his staff. After brief talks with the staff, he found the accused staff members innocent and suggested that no action should be taken against them.

When Kabuli police station was contacted, police confirmed that the office-bearers of printing press had staged demonstration against the alleged negligence of doctors, but were also avoiding to register a case in this regard.