Docs condemn MLA for interfering in work

Atam Nagar member of legislative assembly (MLA) Simarjeet Singh Bains marching into Lord Mahavira Civil Hospital and rebuking a gynaecologist for allegedly not attending to a patient on time has not gone down well with the doctors of the hospital.

In a written disapproval, PCMS Specialist Doctors' Association president Dr Avinash Jindal and general secretary Dr Devinder Kumar said, "All doctors condemn the local political interference and arrogant behaviour with woman doctors and staff on emergency duty on Thursday, which has become a routine day to day work."

Dr Jindal said interference in the duty of medical officer on duty at civil hospital was not acceptable, as in medico-legal cases a set protocol had to be followed and everybody should understand it.

He said MLA Bains interfered in the duty of a medical officer, adding that the patient for whom he came to the hospital didn't require emergency treatment and was attended to by the doctors on time.

Dr RK Karkara, senior medical officer (SMO), civil hospital, said the patient was admitted on Thursday and discharged on Friday, as she had no serious injury or illness. Ultrasound and other checks-ups were done, but she was not critical, he added.

Meanwhile, Ludhiana civil surgeon Dr Subhash Batta has marked an inquiry into the matter. He said, "I have asked the SMO to present a report in the matter within five days."

MLA to take issue to Vidhan Sabha

On being questioned for his interference, MLA Bains said, "Why did the doctors at civil hospital create a situation that required for me to call or go there just for admitting a poor patient."

"They can call it interference, influence or anything, but for me it was my duty," Bains added.

Showing resentment over the situation and working of civil hospital, Bains said he would visit the hospital fortnightly without intimation and send reports to the health minister, besides holding sangat darshans at the hospital itself.

He said he would also take up the issue in Vidhan Sabha regarding how a doctor on duty could refuse to talk to an MLA, adding that doctors were not working properly at the hospital, and work was being done through agents there.

The matter

On Thursday, Puja, a resident of Giaspura, said to be a victim of domestic violence, came to the civil hospital with reference of MLA Bains. But as only one gynaecologist was on duty at the time, Puja was not attended to immediately. The MLA then called the doctor on duty, who refused to talk to him, following which Bains struck at the civil hospital. He then allegedly scolded the doctor for not attending the call and taking care of the patient.