IMA: Strict and swift action required against assault on doctors

Dhule doctor brutally manhandled, IMA demands strict action against assaulters

New Delhi, March 16, 2017: Another incidence of doctor beaten up by unruly mob was witnessed on the day of Holi, where a bunch (25-30 people) of patient’s relatives brutally manhandled Dr. Rohan Mhamunkar, Resident Orthopedics Department, SBH GMC, Dhule (Maharashtra). The Indian Medical Association has strongly condemned this act and has demanded strict action against such unacceptable heinous act of the relatives of the patient.

Dr Rohan was beaten up so badly, that he was left with fractures of orbital bones, severe eye injury and may even lose his vision. Due to his critical condition Dr Rohan was referred to Mumbai for further treatment.

In the light of the above incident, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President, Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said that, “Indian Medical Association criticize this kind of unpardonable behavior and requests all medical professionals to join hands and condemn the attack on Dr. Rohan Mhamunkar through a Memorandum to the concerned authorities in Dhule (Maharashtra) and respective states also. It is also desirable that each and every state should inform the media through a Press Conference regarding such an unacceptable heinous act of the relatives of the patient. Doctors are requested to inform the local branches under their jurisdiction and report their standpoint regarding this incident.”

“It is a matter of serious concern for all of us in the healthcare sector. If I am attacked while attending a patient I might end up misdiagnosing or even losing the patient. Strict and swift actions must be taken against the assaulters so that doctors feel safe to work and do justice to the profession and to the patients. Further, the rising incidences of such cases highlight the urgent need of boosting security measures at hospital premises. Lastly, I request the general public not to attack doctors as they are for your service only,” added Dr K K Aggarwal.

Subsequently, despite huge protests against assault on doctors and their medical establishments, the medical profession is still facing similar actions all over India. This will not be tolerated and should be brought to the knowledge of the concerned authorities in a way of protest.

Following are some suggested measures that might improve patient-doctor relationship:

• Sensitization of the hospital administrators to improve their quality of medical services
• Workforce development
• Adequate security at and around the hospital premises
• Recognizing the risk factors at workplace
• Media or press must avoid media-trial and try to cover positive news regarding medical profession