Indian Medical Association condemns raid on private hospital in Yamunanagar

The Yamunanagar chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) strongly condemned a raid conducted by a team of doctors of the Civil Hospital and the SDM against one of its members terming it as reprehensible and improper action. The IMA alleged that the team and the SDM were acting on the directions of the state Ayushman authority.

During a press conference in Jagadhri today, Dr Reginald Masih, president, Jagadhri-Yamunanagar branch of the IMA, said a team of the state Ayushman authority conducted an unnecessary raid on a member hospital on Wednesday. He said the team attempted to incite patients to avail the Ayushman scheme at the hospital.

He further said this happened when they were fully aware that the IMA Haryana had suspended all services under this programme due to continuance of unresolved issues. He said behaviour of the team was completely unacceptable, including the use of foul language and gross misconduct with a lady doctor at the hospital.

“This incident is a clear example of the harassment faced by the medical community. For the last 15 days, Ayushman-affiliated hospitals across the state have been on strike protesting payment delays and unfair deductions. Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue to resolve these serious problems, the authority has resorted to these shameful and reprehensible tactics,” said Dr Masih.

He said in solidarity with its affected colleagues, the Yamunanagar chapter of the IMA had launched a symbolic strike today. He said this action served as a demand for an immediate stop to such cruel practices and strict punitive action against those responsible for hurling abuses.

“We met the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and Chief Medical Officer and submitted a memorandum regarding the issue. We appeal to the authority to address our legitimate grievances with respect and stop all forms of harassment. If another such raid takes place, the IMA is ready to assemble at the hospital concerned and suspend services,” Dr Masih said.

Jagadhri SDM Vishwanath said it was a routine inspection and no one from the team misbehaved with any person at the hospital.