DADU: A man serving as peon at the Piaro Goth basic health unit managed by the peoples Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) sustained serious burns when he attempted self-immolation outside the local press club on Tuesday.

Bukhshal Birhamani was rushed to Karachi for treatment after civil surgeon Dr Insaf Magsi examined him at the Dadu Civil Hospital and found that he had sustained 70 per cent burns.

Before taking the extreme action, Brihamani told journalists that he was fed up with the treatment being meted out to him by his boss, Dr Altaf Qureshi, the official-in charge of the basic health unit (BHU). He claimed that Dr Qureshi even manhandled him when he would refuse to continue to perform as his domestic servant.

Brihamani also shared details of Dr Qureshi’s alleged corrupt practices and named a number of the beneficiaries including health officials and private people associated with medical profession. Dr Qureshi rejected all the allegations.

Meanwhile, Dadu district health officer Dr Javid Ahmed Dawachh has said that the transfer order of Dr Qureshi from Piaro Goth BHU was issued a week ago after many complaints were made by the area people against him. Dr Qureshi said he had just received the transfer order.

Dr Dawachh said an inquiry into Mr Birhamani’s attempted suicide had been recommended to the PPHI district manager.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2016