Paediatricians go on 24-hr strike

​Hyderabad: Even before the medical fraternity could recover from vandalism shock at a corporate hospital in the city, a paediatrician, Dr Michael Aranha, was allegedly assaulted at his clinic at Himayatnagar here on Friday. The incident came to light on Monday 

In protest against the incident, Indian Academy of Paediatrics called for a 24-hour bandh and accordingly, out-patient services in clinics and a few corporate hospitals extending childcare services remained closed on Monday and this would continue until Tuesday morning.

Dr Michael Aranha was admitted to Udai Omni hospital in Abids. He reportedly suffered multiple rib fractures, pneumothorax (punctured lungs) because of which he is even unable to breathe properly. 

The incident happened on Friday evening but came to light only after doctor developed health complications and was admitted to a private hospital. IMA Telangana unit Secretary Dr S S Yadav stated that the senior paediatrician was assaulted by a child patient's father and his accom0panying attendant.

Dr Michael, who is undergoing treatment, disclosed to his fellow doctors that he had advised the child's parents to give red meat to the kid as part of treatment for anaemia. He also said this was an accepted treatment for anaemia. The injured doctor added that the child was being treated as an out-patient and not admitted and hence not seriously ill.

Indian Academy of Paediatrics condemned the incident and its central executive board member from Telangana Dr D Ramesh stated that this attack happened just a few days after Global hospital incident raised questions over the security of doctors. He said a delegation would son meet DGP  and demand strict action against the accused.

“We have over 800 paediatricians from Telangana as members with 600 doctors alone from Hyderabad. All of them have shut down their Outpatient services at their clinics and hospitals. A few Corporate hospitals also closed outpatient services in solidarity with striking doctors. The 24-hour bandh would end on Tuesday morning,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr C Nirmala, Dr E Arjun and Dr Sunkoj Bhaskar from Indian Academy of Paediatrics, twin cities branch, demand that the Telangana Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Services Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act be invoked. The violence under the Act  the offence is cognizable and non-bailable. It may be mentioned here that police slapped cases against three responsible for vandalism in Global hospitals under this Act.

“Strict, prompt and stringent punishment to offenders is the only action that works as a deterrent and instils confidence among doctors,” the paediatricians said. A complaint was filed by the doctor against the attackers in Narayanaguda police station. However, the opposite party also filed a complaint against the doctor alleging that he misbehaved with the child's mother. Police are investigating the case.