SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Oct 26: Concerned over the rising cases of violence in hospitals across Jharkhand, the Hospitals Board of India (HBI) and the Association of Health Providers of India (AHPI) Jharkhand chapters have decided to meet the Director General of Police (DGP) on Monday to seek immediate action and protection for doctors and healthcare institutions.
HBI Raises Alarm Over Increasing Attacks on Hospitals
HBI Jharkhand chapter chairman Dr. Anant Sinha said that cases of vandalism and assaults on hospitals are being reported almost every day from different parts of the state.
“In just one week, there have been attacks on Dubey Nursing Home in Giridih, Asarfi Hospital in Dhanbad, and another hospital in Palamu, creating fear among medical professionals,” said Dr. Sinha.
He added that police inaction has worsened the situation. “The Medical Protection Act (MPA) is the only solution to protect doctors and health centres. But the silence of the state government in implementing the Act is a major concern. Due to this inaction, hospitals and doctors have become soft targets of local leaders,” he said.
Dr. Sinha also mentioned that violence in Ranchi hospitals has reduced after the organisation hired Catch Security Agency for protection. “I have advised doctors in Dhanbad and other districts to hire such agencies for their own safety,” he added.
AHPI Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
The AHPI Jharkhand chapter has also expressed serious concern over repeated incidents of hospital violence in Dhanbad, Giridih, and Palamu.
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AHPI Jharkhand president Sayeed Ahmad Ansari said that doctors’ patience is running out as hospitals are being attacked almost every other day. “Providing healthcare services in such an environment is becoming extremely difficult,” he said.
A meeting of AHPI members has been called to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the state’s hospitals. Ansari confirmed reports of sabotage at Asarfi Hospital in Dhanbad and said that a delegation would soon meet senior government officials to demand better protection for hospitals.
“Due to the ongoing Chhath festival, immediate action is not possible today, but our team will meet higher authorities soon to ensure hospital safety,” he added.
