Doctors’ protest affect outpatient services in Coimbatore

Regular outpatient department (OPD) consultations and routine works in many clinics and hospitals were affected from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. here on Saturday due the nationwide protest by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) demanding justice for Rajasthan doctor Archana Sharma, who died by suicide. She was booked for the death of a patient.

A release issued by the Coimbatore branch of IMA said that the protest was held seeking changes in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to decriminalise the medical profession.

It said that the Coimbatore branch of the medical body condemned the irrational, illegal behaviour of the Rajasthan law enforcing authorities by registering a case against the gynaecologist under Section 304 A (causing death by negligence) of the IPC for the death of a patient, sidelining guidelines of the Supreme Court of India and the National Medical Commission. 

IMA wanted the arrest of police officials responsible for the doctor’s death, adequate compensation to her family and implementation of the long awaited Central Act for the violence against doctors.

IMA Tamil Nadu president R. Palanisamy and IMA Coimbatore president N. Sathian led the protest. 

(Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies could seek help and counselling by dialling ‘Sneha’ 24X7 helpline at 044-24640050)