IRAQ: Doctors walked out of a Baghdad hospital in a strike over the abuse they claim to have suffered at the hands of the Iraqi security forces

Record ID: 341334

  • Title: IRAQ: Doctors walked out of a Baghdad hospital in a strike over the abuse they claim to have suffered at the hands of the Iraqi security forces
  • Date: 21st March 2006
  • Summary: HOSPITAL STAFF STANDING IN THE HOSPITAL COURTYARD
  • Embargoed: 5th April 2006 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Iraq
  • Country: Iraq
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement
  • Reuters ID: LVA4JUXHGLHFNOOX9RGI1NA0HNFL
  • Story Text: Doctors closed one of Baghdad's busiest hospitals on Monday (March 20) in protest at physical abuse they claim is inflicted by Iraqi security forces, leaving patients to fend for themselves in the chaotic wards.
    A source at the hospital said the hospital would refrain from receiving patients and would be closed until further notice.
    Physicians said the troubles started when police commandos walked into the hospital, attacking and abusing a number of doctors.
    They said that they would continue with the strike to highlight to the army and security forces that the claimed abuses would not be tolerated. Many of the army and security forces wounded comrades are often treated at Yarmouk and other hospitals.
    "For us as a hospital and its staff, we can not tolerate any more of the abuse, insults, beatings and the firing of gunshots inside the hospital. As far as we are concerned, we may close the hospital for ever," said Ali Abdul Wahid, the hospital's chief doctor.
    Head of the Iraqi Physicians' Union Nadhim Abdul Hammed who arrived at the hospital immediately after the incident said that the Union would demand definite measures by the government to protect physicians.
    The Interior ministry was not available for comment on the incident.
    Yarmouk hospital, a run-down, sparsely equipped building, has treated many of Baghdad's bloodiest cases. Overcrowded with patients and staff, its emergency room deals with many cases every day.
    Doctors have staged similar strikes before and some patients sympathised with them, despite their medical needs.
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