Junior doctors, nurses in Amritsar confront Cabinet Minister OP Soni

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 7

Junior doctors and other employees confronted Medical Education and Research Minister Om Parkash Soni, after he paid a visit to the Government Medical College on Tuesday.

Earlier, he held a meeting with Principal Secretary DK Tiwari, Lok Sabha member Gurjit Aujla and other senior functionaries of the Health Department. When Soni visited the college after the meeting, the representatives of various cadres were ready with their demands.

As Soni equated junior residents to soldiers fighting the enemy, a junior resident quipped by saying that at least soldiers have equipment while they were fighting this battle bare-handed. The doctors also accused the senior doctors of staying away from seeing patients saying only junior doctors were exposed to the threat.

Nurses also said arrangements for their stay should be made near the hospital, as when they visit their homes, they expose their children and elderly parents to the threat. They said if they do not have to go home during the emergency at least their families would stay safe.

The representatives of Class IV workers and other sections also demanded safety equipment. Soni said all efforts were being made to ensure the safety of the employees and proper treatment for patients. He said safety kits were being provided to all.

Taking to the employee union leaders, Soni said he, too, was a politician but this was not the time for politics. “Why are we holding these long meetings if we are not serious? We are very much serious and making all efforts to streamline things. The employees’ union at this time should stand with hospital in fighting the problem,” he said.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.