Srinagar: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today expressed deep shock over hospital bombing by US forces in Kunduz city of northern Afghanisthan.
At least 19 persons were killed including 12 staff members and seven patients in a horrific aerial bombardment of a trauma hospital run by Medicins sans frontieres (MSF).
In a statement to KNS, President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan said that killing doctors, patients and nurses is a senseless act of unspeakable brutality.
This bombing of the MSF hospital in Kunduz marks the darkest day of humanitarianism.
It is a war crime and a grave violation of international humanitarian law under which medical facilities and personnel must be protected.
MSF had communicated the exact location of the hospital and the bombing continued for one hour after it raised alarm with US officials.
This deliberate repeated bombing on a medical facility is criminal.
The bombing destroyed the main hospital building, operation theatre, intensive care unit and medical supplies.
This trauma centre was the only medical facility that could deal trauma patients and the hospital has treated hundreds of wounded people since fighting broke in Kunduz.
This attack has cut off access to urgent trauma care in the area at a time when its services are most needed.
Medical fraternity is in a state of grief and mourning and it is sickening that doctors had to pay with their lives while trying to save others.
There can be no justification for targeting medical facilities at any time.
There has to be an urgent international action as killing of doctors and patients is inexcusable and unforgivable.
It is obligatory on international community to ensure protection of medical facilities and personnel.(KNS)
