Patna, (Bihar Times): A large number of protesting women health workers, including trained mid-wives and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), mostly engaged in rural areas were injured when police used
lathi-charge and water-cannon to disperse them. They were protesting to press their charter of demands.

Besides, the workers also sought payment of salaries due to them for months. Police officials said that several protesting health workers were also taken into custody and later released.

However, police official claimed that they were forced to use  lathi and water-cannon to disperse them as they  blocked Dak Bungalow crossing.

The health workers, who provide basic health services in the rural areas, have been camping in Patna under the banner of the Bihar Medical and Public Health Employees Association for the last couple of days. They  took out a  rally here on Wednesday as well.

The health workers, according to one estimate 3,000 to 4,000 in number, accused the police of indulging in unprovoked lathi-charge.

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