OPDs to remain closed on Monday

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 15

The medical fraternity has decided to keep the OPDs shut on June 17 (Monday) against the rising incidents of violence against doctors.

A strike was observed by doctors all over India on Friday and now, a call has been given by the Indian Medical Association’s national wing for complete bandh for 24 hours owing to the recent incident in West Bengal, where two young doctors were brutally attacked.

“All OPD of all hospitals, nursing homes, clinics will remain closed on June 17 (Monday). Only emergency cases will be attended to,” said Dr PS Jassal, president of the local IMA unit.

“The increasing incidents of violence against doctors are very shocking and sad. People should understand the fact that doctors are not God. They can try their best to save patients, but sometimes it is out of their hands. People should understand this,” he said.

IMA has been demanding a national law against hospital violence. The organisation has declared a zero-tolerance policy against violence on doctors and healthcare establishments. World Medical Association has also passed a resolution against violence on healthcare establishments and urged to bring stronger legislation against this menace.

“It has been observed that the increase in violence will adversely affect the public health at large. Not only patients undergoing treatment in the institution facing violence will be directly affected, but there are lots of indirect consequences as well. Institutions will be reluctant in taking up complicated and risky patients, which will affect public health at large,” Dr Jassal said.