MALAPPURAM: A nurse from the department of health has been manhandled by group of local residents at Edayur near Valancheri in the district on Thursday during the the Measles Rubella vaccination drive. Shyamala Bai, a nurse of the Edayur Prinary Health Centre was assaulted by the group who protested against the vaccination drive at GLP School, Athipatta on Thursday evening. The injured nurse was hospitalised with fractured hand. The attackers also damaged Shyamala’s mobile phone.

According to the police the protest turned violent alleging that some of the children were administered vaccine without the consent of the parents. Shyamala was one of the team of health officials led by Dr Ali Muhammed, Medical Officer of Edayur PHC, which was carrying out vaccination at the Govt school. The Valancheri police has registered a case against the attackers based on a complaint by Dr. Muhammed.

The Police has initiated search to arrest the attackers. Following the incident the Kerala Government Public Nurses and Supervisors Union has demanded stern action against the attackers and threatened to boycott the vaccination drive for not ensuring safety for health workers. The union has given an ultimatum to arrest the attackers by Friday otherwise would boycott the vaccination drive a press note by union said.