SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 25: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Jharkhand Health Services Association (JHSA) have strongly condemned the attack on Jamshedpur-based doctor, Dr. A.K. Lal, and have urged the Chief Minister to implement the Medical Protection Act (MPA) to ensure smooth and safe health services in the state.
In a joint statement, IMA state secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh and JHSA president Dr. P.P. Sah expressed their concerns, stating that the attack on Tara Seva Sadan Nursing Home and Dr. A.K. Lal highlights the lack of safety for doctors while providing medical services to patients.
Demand to implement Medical Protection Act
“It is high time for Jharkhand to implement the MPA to protect medical professionals and ensure uninterrupted health services,” said Dr. Singh and Dr. Sah.
On Sunday, family members of a patient attacked Dr. A.K. Lal at the Tara Seva Sadan Nursing Home. Dr. Lal, who is also the IMA Vice-President from the Kolhan Division, sustained injuries in the assault.
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According to Dr. Singh, the incident is especially troubling as the critically ill patient had been discharged from the nursing home earlier that day, satisfied with the treatment provided by Dr. Lal, a retired civil surgeon from Jamshedpur. However, a few hours later, four to five family members of the discharged patient returned and assaulted the doctor.
Dr. Singh and Dr. Sah noted that Chief Minister Hemant Soren had previously supported the MPA when he was the Leader of the Opposition. They urged him to fulfil his earlier commitment, emphasizing the deteriorating situation in districts like Jamshedpur and Dhanbad, where doctors are facing significant challenges in continuing their work.
“IMA state president Dr. A.K. Singh has already submitted a memorandum regarding this matter,” they added.
IMA and JHSA have demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the assault on Dr. Lal, a security cover for the retired civil surgeon, and the prompt implementation of the MPA to allow doctors in the state to work without fear.
Additionally, Jamshedpur IMA secretary Dr. Saurabh Choudhary has called on the local administration to take swift action against the perpetrators.