Doctors protest attacks on medical fraternity

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, June 18

As part of the nationwide protest, the Ludhiana branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) today protested against the attacks on the medical fraternity and frontline warriors in the fight against Covid.

During the protest, “Save the Saviours”, doctors wore black badges, mask and ribbons and said strict action needed to be taken against the guilty.

Demands

• Central hospital and healthcare professional protection Act with provision under the Indian Penal Code and CrPC
• Hospitals should be declared as protected zones so that patients do not suffer at the hands of the mobs
• Accused should be punished by fast-track courts

“There has been a constant upsurge in the incidences of violence against doctors and medical staff. Hospitals have also been vandalised,” members of the Ludhiana IMA said.

Dr Saroj Aggarwal, president, IMA Ludhiana, said “There should be zero tolerance to the attacks on doctors, medical staff and hospitals. People should learn to trust doctors.”

Dr Manoj K Sobti, former state president of the association and member of the Punjab Medical Council, said under the Hospital and Medicare Prevention Act, damage to health workers and property was a non-bailable offence but the same was not being implemented in spirit.

Dr Ashish Ohri, secretary of the association, said: “We are forced to observe the protest as the government has failed to protect the safety of the medical fraternity,” adding that the protest would continue and accelerate in a phased manner across the country till a law is passed by the Centre.