Haryana Government Doctors Stage OPD Boycott Over Alleged Police Assault in Karnal
In a significant escalation of tensions, government doctors across Haryana refrained from attending outpatient departments (OPDs) on Saturday, leading to widespread disruption in healthcare services. This protest action was triggered by an alleged incident of wrongful confinement and assault on a duty doctor by police personnel in Karnal, sparking a major controversy that has drawn attention to the safety of medical professionals.
Incident Details and Allegations
The controversy stems from an event that occurred on the occasion of Holi, when a doctor from the Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS) was on duty at a health centre. According to medicos, the doctor was handling two rival groups and preparing their medico-legal reports (MLRs) when he sensed trouble and called the local police post for assistance. After a brief phone conversation, the doctor reportedly hung up.
Subsequently, police personnel arrived at the hospital and allegedly forcibly took the medico into custody. The medicos claim to possess CCTV footage and other evidence supporting their version of events. The doctor was later released following intervention by higher medical authorities, but the incident has ignited outrage within the medical community.
Impact on Healthcare Services
As a direct result of the boycott, hundreds of patients visiting OPDs at various government-run hospitals and health centres across Haryana were forced to return without receiving treatment. This disruption has highlighted the critical role of doctors in public healthcare and the consequences of such conflicts on patient welfare. However, it is important to note that emergency services and autopsy services remained functional as usual during this period, ensuring that urgent medical needs were still addressed.
Police Response and Counterclaims
Karnal Superintendent of Police Narinder Bijarania could not be reached for comment on the matter. In contrast, the official spokesperson of the Haryana Police stated that officials are in touch with the medical fraternity and are working to resolve the issue at the earliest. The police have also accused the doctor of inappropriate behaviour with the sub-inspector and staff on duty, alleging that the medico submitted a written apology before his release.
Furthermore, the police claimed that departmental action has been initiated against the errant personnel involved, indicating efforts to address the situation internally. Despite this, the medicos remain unsatisfied with these measures.
Demands and Future Course of Action
The medicos have maintained that anything less than the arrest of the police personnel involved in the assault and confinement, under new provisions for the protection of the medical fraternity, is unacceptable. Dr. Sonal Gautam, president of the Panchkula chapter of the HCMS Association, confirmed that no solution has been reached as of now. The association is awaiting guidance from its state executive, headed by Dr. Anil Yadav, and is planning a future course of action if the issue remains unresolved by Monday.
This stand-off underscores ongoing tensions between law enforcement and healthcare workers, raising questions about the implementation of protective measures for medical professionals. The HCMS Association's stance reflects a broader demand for accountability and safety in the workplace, which could have implications for healthcare delivery in the region if not addressed promptly.
