K’Bu biomedical scientist hit at post by stray bullet
A biomedical scientist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) was hit in the right arm by a stray bullet while working at the Central Laboratory of the hospital last Monday afternoon.
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The victim, whose identity is being withheld by the hospital authorities, is on admission and responding to treatment.
Immediately the bullet hit him, the biomedical scientist complained of a sharp and severe pain in his right arm.
Thereafter, a colleague of his is said to have seen blood on the victim’s arm and discovered a hole through one of the windows.
The victim was then rushed to the theatre for treatment and for the bullet to be extracted from his arm.
Victim’s status
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Public Relations Officer of the KBTH, Mr Mustapha Salifu, confirmed that the bullet had been extracted and the victim was responding to treatment.
“One of our staff members at the Quality Assurance Unit of the Central Laboratory of the hospital was hit by a bullet last Monday and we were informed about this by the laboratory manager after 2 p.m. The victim was rushed to the Accident Centre to be prepared for the theatre where the bullet was extracted from his right arm.
Observation
“I saw him this morning around 8 a.m. and he was able to sit on his bed and talk. The doctor also confirmed that he was out of danger and that in the next few days he would be discharged. He is fine,” he said.
Investigations
When the incident occurred, Mr Salifu said, the hospital immediately alerted its internal security and the Korle Bu Police detailed two teams to inspect the place where the incident happened.
“At the moment, one cannot tell who is behind it and where it came from. The security personnel are conducting their investigations and when they finish, we will be able to unravel the mystery surrounding this incident,” he said.
Security
Mr Salifu said the management of the hospital was collaborating with the Korle Bu Police to increase patrols around the hospital to enhance the safety and security of patients and workers.
In spite of the incident, he said, workers continued to provide services for patients.
“Management is not resting on its responsibilities. We are working with the Korle Bu Police to make sure that they increase their patrols and beef up security to ensure that people do not come to the hospital with guns or stand anywhere and start shooting.
“We are staff members of the hospital and all of us are concerned about this incident, but the presence of the security is helping us to allay our fears. What happened has not prevented us from providing care for others and saving lives,” he added.