The Hindu : Assault on doctor evokes protest

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 31, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Assault on doctor evokes protest

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM MAY 30. The assault on a lady doctor at Ernakulam on Wednesday has evoked a sharp reaction from the medical fraternity even as the Health Minister has warned that such incidents would vitiate the atmosphere in Government hospitals and worsen doctor- patient relations.

The Indian Medical Association, Thiruvananthapuram, came out strongly against the incident. While condemning the unhealthy practices, including corruption in the Health department, the IMA said the existing mechanism could be effectively used for the redressal of grievances against doctors.

A pressnote issued by the IMA said the ethics committee of the association was empowered to deal with such complaints. It said the committee would take stern action against erring doctors. The pressnote quoting the IMA secretary, Dr. Sreejith N. Kumar, said the IMA would not put up with violence against doctors. It warned that such incidents would be collectively opposed by the medical fraternity.

Earlier in the day, the Health Minister, P. Sankaran, clarified that the doctor involved in Wednesday's incident was suspended from service following a preliminary investigation into complaints received earlier. Denouncing the assault, he attributed the public outrage to the lack of basic facilities in Government hospitals. He also exhorted doctors to be more compassionate in their approach towards poor patients who cannot afford treatment at private hospitals.

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