STRIKE BY DOCTORS

Worm infested wounds on the body of a patient who was admitted in the government hospital with injuries and later tested positive for Covid 19 have called for adverse comments from various corners. The relatives of the patients have complained against the medical staff. This has led to an enquiry in the matter by the director of the medical education and subsequently a doctor and two nurses were suspended. Consequent upon the suspension the doctors have boycotted out patients duties. The doctors association has warned that more action may follow if the suspension is not revoked.

The doctors, before taking a unilateral action of refusing to attend the out patients, should seriously consider the  fact they are being paid for their services not by the health department or medical association but by people including these out patients coming to them for treatment. If the suspended staff think that the action taken against them is improper in any sense, instead of taking a coercive action, can take more appropriate action through democratic means by approaching the judiciary.

Under no circumstances the doctors and all other medical personnel should leave their duties. The medical services of highly humanitarian in nature is not imposed on any doctor or nurse. They themselves have opted for this. It doesn't mean that they should forego all their rights. They must get all that they duly deserve for. It should not be in a forceful manner and at the cost of the poor patients but by discussions or through legal provisions. The government may also try to take any action against medical personnel by humanitarian consideration within the purview of justice.

(It is now reported that strike by the doctors have been called off consequent upon the assurance by the Health Minister to reconsider the suspension. Whatever may be the situation the doctors of any hospital should not resort to abstain from attending patients come to them.)

KV George

kvgeorgein@gmail.com