My heart bleeds on recalling the tragedy: Dr. Kafeel Khan

Kozhikode: Dr. Kafeel Khan, the hero-turned-victim in Gorakhpur Medical College tragedy, said that he is still haunted by the trauma undergone in which more than 100 children died due to lack of oxygen supply.

The doctor, who was hailed as a hero for prompt action in the face of a tragedy, said in a reception programme orgainsed by Solidarity Youth Movement, that the incident was obviously a "massacre".

"Infants were dying each hour. My heart bleeds on recalling the events. I did all that a physician could do. But on the next day Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditya Nath visited the hospital and was asking me 'are you becoming hero by paying for oxygen cylinders?' I don't know why he did this to me" Kafeel said.

"I got bail and life after a jail term of eight months for no offence. But could the babies who died in the tragedy get back their life? They hounded my family after my arrest. I spent eight months in jail without any evidence. Initially, no one reached out to help legally or financially. I faced it all, alone. Later several people including Dr. Nadeem Khan turned up to help. Initially I was scared. But now I am unfazed, because I came to know numerous people were there to stand up in solidarity with me after leaving the prison," he said.

"When I was in jail, I could not help laughing on reading a statement of Yogi Adityanath, during his visit to Kerala, asking Keralites to take UP as a model in health sector. Kerala stands far ahead of other states in all the public health indices. Though I love UP, it cannot be left unsaid that health sector of the sector is at its worst level." Kafeel Khan added.

Jama'at-e- Islami Kerala Amir MI Abdul Aziz inaugurated the programme held at Asma Tower. Dr. Nadim Khan delivered the key-note address. MES state president Dr. Fazal Gafoor, Anweshi President K. Ajitha, MediaOne Managing Editor C. Davood, Madhyamam Senior Correspondent Hassanul Banna and others spoke.