Hospital vandalism issue: OPD services in private hospitals of Silchar to remain closed for 24 hours from Tuesday
Silchar, Nov 8: The incident of vandalism at a local hospital as a mark of protest following the death of a pregnant woman allegedly due to medical negligence by the concerned physician Dr Arun Paul Choudhury on November 4 has taken a new turn as members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Cachar branch along with All Assam Non- Government Health Establishment Association (AANGHEA) and many other organisations have called for a 24 hour Out Patient Department shut down at private hospitals on Tuesday.
On Monday, members of the IMA Cachar branch and AANGHEA, a press conference said that the protest is against the incident of vandalism which they did not expect and cannot tolerate as well.
Ranabir Paul, general secretary of the IMA Cachar Branch said the OPD services and diagnostic services will be shut down as a mark of protest against the incident of vandalism. However, all kinds of emergency services will be open. "This was one of an unfortunate and uncalled-for incident as no doctor or health worker would want any patient to succumb during treatment. However, as a mark of protest, barring the emergency services, the OPD services and diagnostics services will be closed for 24 hours from Tuesday as we demand immediate arrest of the miscreants involved as per the law of the land and urge upon the district administration to take strict measures so that such incidents are not repeated in the future," Paul maintained.
Nilabha Mazumder, president of AANGHEA " the matter of alleged medical negligence is to be investigated and if there is anyone found guilty, there should be judicious punishment as per law. However, the incident of vandalising the hospital in the outburst of anger after the unfortunate death of the patient is condemnable. We would submit a memorandum to the Cachar Deputy Commissioner demanding immediate action against the miscreants behind the incident. We understand that many patients would face inconvenience because of our move to shut down the OPD services for a day. But we have no other options left but to demonstrate our legitimate protest and seek justice. However, all the emergency services in all private health establishments will be open. "
Members of other private hospitals and health clinics were present during the media interaction. It may be mentioned that family members and neighbours of the deceased woman, a resident of the Public School Road locality of the town who was under treatment alleged medical negligence and questioned the quality of treatment at the hospital.
