Mangaluru: After a woman claimed that a few doctors in the city denied her Covid treatment during her pregnancy and that one doctor threatened and attempted to murder her, members of the Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) discarded the lady’s claims as false.
According to AMC office bearers, there is a persistent atmosphere of fear and a hostile working environment for doctors managing Covid cases in private hospitals.
Dr Sathish Bhat, the chairperson of the AMC’s Medico-Legal Cell, said that when doctors and employees in hospitals are attacked or abused, the police department has failed to take adequate action against the accused. Three separate incidents occurred in different private hospitals throughout the city, yet the police department did not take any necessary action.
The police are not arresting the accused despite the fact that an FIR has been filed against them. Despite provisions in the law such as the Karnataka Prohibition of Violence Against Medicare Service Personnel and Damage to Property in Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2009 and the Karnataka Epidemic Act, the accused have not been arrested or even booked, he alleged.
Dr. Yusuf Kumble, the chairperson of the AMC Insurance Cell, stated, “Those who disobey the law should be held accountable. Even if there are 98 percent good people in the world, a small percentage of bad people can produce social disturbance. These individuals are not affiliated with any religion or caste, and will only engage in anti-social elements. They should be exposed.”
Dr Priya Ballal said that in her 21 years of experience she has not denied treatment to any patient. Being a gynecologist, I have examined several Covid patients. “The woman has alleged that I have given her a wrong advice which is untrue and such accusations are not acceptable.”
Murlidhar also said all doctors and staff in Wenlock hospital are working tirelessly to provide treatment to the Covid patients.
It may be recalled that one Kadheeja Jasmine had filed a complaint with the police that her gynecologist Dr Priya Ballal denied providing treatment to her. The complainant had also alleged that few doctors threatened her and even attempted to murder her.
President of AMC, Dr KR Kamath, Dr GG Laxman Prabhu, and others were present during the press meet.
