New ordinance shields docs, what about patients? ………Malathy Iyer I TNN
The states promulgation of an ordinance preventing violence against doctors has given Dr Swapnil Shirbhate a special reason to be celebrate. His hospital, High-Tech Critical Care, in Amravati was vandalised by a mob in September 2008. Now, such mindless attacks will not take place, he said.
Recounting the ordeal, Dr Shirbhate said, The patient had attempted suicide, we failed to save him. His family was devastated but they bore no grudges. Yet, a mob vandalised our hospital.
Governor S C Jamir signed the Bill on March 30, making it a reality. Now, offenders who destroy medicare property or assault doctors could face up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 50,000.