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Concern over attacks on doctors in hospitals

By Correspondent

MANGALDAI, June 20 � The growing incidents of attacks on doctors, medical staff and damage to public properties of government hospital following casualties relating to road accidents have recently become a matter of concern among the conscious people here.

Such an incident, following the death of a young local businessman in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday, has once again raised questions over proper medical response during emergency situations and safety and security to doctors, medical staff and also the role of the local public in such crisis situations.

The attendants and family members of Riaz Ahmed, victim of a accident on Wednesday, have reportedly expressed grievances over the lack of prompt service by ambulance, use of general hardboards instead of scientific splint for fractured legs, etc.

However, sources in the Civil Hospital here refuted the allegations claiming that every possible emergency treatment were extended to the patient and use of hardboards as splints to support fractures have been medically accepted. Regarding delay in the arrival of the ambulance, the source clarified that it took time as the ambulance was servicing a number of locations.

It may be mentioned here that Darrang district is considered to be an accident-prone area and keeping that in mind, a trauma centre was proposed to minimise casualties in accident cases. Unfortunately, even after completion of the trauma centre building, at an estimated cost of around Rs 65 lakh, the centre is yet to start functioning.

Although the sudden loss of life of a person can lead to unpredictable emotional outbreak, conscious citizens here believe that the physical assault on the doctor, pelting of stone at the baby ICU, damaging of properties at the doctors� duty room, office chamber of the Hospital Superintendent, panes of doors and windows, etc., were pre-planned criminal activities.

The lack of timely action in protecting the public property by the policemen present there was also widely criticised.

Meanwhile, a high-level source in Darrang Police said that stern action would be taken against the culprits involved in the incident under the provision of the Assam Medical Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence & Damage to Property) Act, 2011. Some of the persons involved in the incident have been identified, he claimed.

MS Manivannan, Deputy Commissioner of Darrang, who has taken the incident seriously, informed this correspondent that he has already asked the Superintendent of Police to take quick legal action against the offenders.

Locals, however, believe that a practical mechanism needs to be found to prevent such incidents in the future.

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