Monday, June 30, 2008

Doctors' Day

Docs demand protection from unruly attendants


Raising an alarm over the increasing incidents of attacks by attendants of critically ill patients who die in the course of treatment, the private medical practitioners of Uttar Pradesh have demanded stringent laws against such persons. In view to this and some other demands, the doctors have decided to observe Doctors' Day as 'Protest Day' under the aegis of Indian Medical Association.

"Attacks on nursing homes and other health care units is not only an issue that is affecting doctors who own it, but also other patients who are undergoing treatment," said Dr Suresh Talwar, president, IMA, while addressing mediapersons on the eve of Doctors' Day. The members cited the example of Andhra Pradesh government, which introduced the medicare service persons and medicare service institutions (prevention of violence and damage to property) Act in December 2007.

It prohibits any deed of violence against medicare service persons or damage to property in a medicare service institution. An action (s) of violence, clearly defined in the Act, is a cognizable and non-bailable offence. Those found guilty will be punished with imprisonment up to three years with a fine which may extend up to Rs 50,000.

read more about Doctors' Day

No comments: