Pvt docs protest extortion calls to Rewari hospital

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, October 29

Private doctors under the aegis of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) here on Monday protested against the recent incident of shooting and demand for protection money from Pushpanjali Hospital in Rewari.

The doctors had been working with black badges since the incident and went on a day-long strike on Monday.

“Attack on doctors and damage to hospital property have become an everyday affair. We are constantly threatened with complaints, protests and now criminals and gangsters, too, have started targeting us. They barge into hospitals unchecked and threaten doctors. We are scared. If not checked, then every clinic will have to pay protection money. We want immediate action and special provisions to ensure safety and protection of doctors,” said Dinesh Hans, president, IMA, Gurugram.

On October 16, panic gripped Pushpanjali Hospital in Rewari when eight men barged into the hospital with guns and fired into the air and issued threats.

Police sources said the hospital owner, who has a hospital with the same name here, had been asked for extortion money. The doctors submitted a memorandum to the DC.

“It takes lifetime to set up a clinic or hospital and if criminals target us what will we do,” said Dr Naresh Sharma.

The sources said that Pushpanjali Hospital owner Dr SP Yadav had been getting constant threats and extortion calls on WhatsApp. The callers had been demanding Rs50 lakh to keep his new hospital going.

“There have been many calls. The doctor has been advised not to take any calls and we will nab the accused soon,” said a senior police official.