Odisha: promises foolproof security for doctors, assault on doctors to be non-bailable
Following the threat of mass resignation by doctors in Bhubaneswar unless provided with foolproof security work , the health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak has stated the government’s plan to implement the Orissa Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2008.
On Sunday, Nayak said to the reporters at Bhubaneswar that the issue has already been raised with the DGP and the home secretary, adding that the safety and security of medical professionals will be ensured by the government. Strict actions against violators will also be initiated, he said. The Minister said that the government is committed to the well-being of doctors and that their demands will be considered.
The Act will make assault on doctors a non-bailable offence that could attract up to three years in prison and a fine of Rs. 50,000 on the violators.
The doctors however, remained unappeased by what the minister said. As per Nirakar Bhatta, president, Odisha Medical Services Association(OMSA), the assurance for security is only one among the 11 demands that were raised, adding that just making assurances to the media won’t actually solve the issue.
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