Polio worker injured in accidental shooting

A polio worker suffered serious injuries in an accidental shooting incident at the BHU Botala primary health centre on Monday.

The incident, which occurred when the security guard's gun accidentally discharged, resulted in Shahnaz Majeed being critically wounded. The injured worker was promptly transported to DHQ Hospital Joharabad and later referred to Jinnah Hospital Lahore for further treatment due to the severity of her condition.

Matha Tawana Police initiated an investigation into the incident, detaining the security guard, Mohammad Azam, along with the weapons involved. According to Dr. Rao Gulzar Yusuf, District Health Officer of District Health Authority Khushab, the unfortunate event unfolded as Shahnaz Majeed, a lady health worker from Pindi Botala, visited BHU Botala to receive a polio vaccine. The security guard's firearm discharged accidentally, causing a bullet injury to the upper part of Majeed's right leg.

Upon receiving the report, the police promptly arrived at the scene, gathered evidence, and took the security guard into custody. Rescue 1122 was also alerted, and the injured polio worker was initially transported to District Headquarters Hospital Khushab in Joharabad.

Dr. Yusuf explained that due to inadequate facilities for treatment at the hospital, the injured worker was subsequently referred to Jinnah Hospital Lahore for necessary surgery. The police investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2023.