Mumbai doctor, who was attacked speaks up on the incident
“In nothing do men more nearly approach the Gods than in giving health to men”
Cicero in his quote mentions ‘nearly’ and makes it clear that doctors too are mortal beings, who simply strive their best to save lives. However, many see this gift as an absolute and turn to them with pitchforks when they fail to do so. As Dr. Sandeep Amale rightly puts it,
“People should understand that doctors are also human beings”
After the death of a patient, Namubai Thakkur, few relatives barged into Lifeline Hospital, Panvel, Mumbai, and attacked the doctors on duty – Sandeep Amale and Kiran Naik. Following the attack, Monday, 6th April, 500 doctors and staff of over 150 hospitals in Panvel district and other areas participated in a peaceful protest.
Dr. Sandeep Amale reported,“I didn’t even treat the patient. Doctors had taken prior consent of the patient before offering her treatment. The patient’s family was offered counseling daily about bad prognosis. Her written consent was taken multiple times. The patient was provided option of shifting to higher centre. The police officials are turning a blind eye towards this issue. They must come forward to provide security to doctors”
After the attack, Dr. Amale found it difficult to even register an FIR as the police were reluctant to take it up. Hence, he passed pictures on Whatsapp which went viral. Later, on Monday, The Panvel police arrested four people and booked them with variety of charges.
In reaction to the incident, the president of the Association of Medical Consultants, Dr Sudhir Naik said,“These kinds of attacks are simply not acceptable. If such things continue, doctors will never be able to even take up any critical case for treatment.”
Also, Dr Amit Thadhani, Consulting General, Laparoscopic surgeon and Director, Niramaya Hospitals Kharghar, Mumbai, who had posted a series of pictures of Dr Amale said, “Doctors are soft targets. We do a tough job. Doctors are far more conscientious than they are given credit for. It’s not possible to deliver 100 per cent results.”
