ISLAMABAD: A day after complaining to their superiors about lack of food, policemen in the twin cities have been hit by the harsh weather. Long duty hours, the extremely humid climate and supposedly contaminated food have caused severe health issues for law enforcement officials, straining the capital’s police force that is already stretched thin.

According to a doctor at the Polyclinic, over 100 police officials were brought to the hospital on Wednesday. Nearly all complained of food poisoning, dehydration and other stomach-related problems.

“They were given immediate medical attention; their stomachs were washed and they were discharged after the necessary treatment. It is believed that they were provided contaminated food and water,” he told Dawn.

Food goes bad quite quickly in high humidity, said the doctor, adding that it should have been ensured that the policemen were provided fresh food.

Over 100 officers admitted to hospitals; most diagnosed with food poisoning and dehydration

“These officers have to stay at their designated duty spot for hours and the chances of food poisoning increase if they do not get much exercise,” he said.

One of the policemen admitted to the hospital painted a grim picture.

“Our minimum duty time is 12 hours. Usually, replacements do not arrive for nearly 16 hours and we have no choice but to stay at the designated spot. Although we are provided food, its quality leaves a lot to be desired,” the official said.

“On Wednesday, a number of police officials were vomiting and had other stomach-related problems. We were shifted to Polyclinic and treated there. It is heartless to order such officers to rejoin duty as soon as they are discharged from the hospital,” he said.

A police official deputed at Faizabad told Dawn that the police administration has devised a policy, whereby out-of-station officers are prioritised. The local force is next in line.

“Due to this practice, there is usually no food left for us and we have to make arrangements on our own,” he said.

Nearly 21,000 law enforcement officials from the police, Rangers, Frontier Constabulary and Army have been deputed in different areas of the federal capital, to stop the marchers from entering the city. The local police provide them with food and water.

Senior Superintendent of Police Mohammad Ali Nekokara told Dawn that he has received the complaint regarding contaminated food from only one area. He also confirmed that some officials were admitted to the hospital.

“The inspector general of police responded to that complaint and instructed the police line to analyse why the food was contaminated. He further instructed to ensure supply of fresh food to the officials,” he said.

Published in Dawn, Aug 14th, 2014