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Why do you think the state needed doctors’ protection bill?
The doctors’ fraternity in the state had always felt the need to have such a bill which provided protection to the doctors and the staff in the hospitals. And in the past one year or so, there had been too many cases of assaults on the doctors in the state. This was hindering their work as they were being forced to work in fear.
Do you think the bill will provide the essential protection to the doctors now?
It will act as a deterrent for a handful of patients and their relatives who would otherwise launch an attack on the doctor or damage property in the event of a mishap. The bill provides for one year imprisonment and Rs 50,000 fine along with the compensation for damage to the property or infrastructure.
What if a doctor is actually at fault?
If anybody has a complaint, they can complain to the Punjab Medical Council or IMA which also has patients’ grievance cell in every district now. So, instead of approaching the police and undertaking protests or ransacking, they should let the court decide the matter, as they do in other cases.
Does Ludhiana IMA have patient grievance cell?
Yes, we do have one. The state IMA has district-level committees to deal with such complaints. There are about 10 members of the Ludhiana branch of IMA who are handling the cell.
How can patients or relatives go about lodging a complaint?
The patients or their relatives who have any complaint against a doctor can approach us directly. But protests or threats are no means to deal with such cases as relatives have often forced the police to register a case against the doctor. In a recent case, we produced a copy of the order of ADGP (Crime) which prevented it. So unless a committee is constituted for the purpose recommends this, a doctor cannot be booked in a criminal case.
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