In the wake of the recent horrifying attack on Dr. Kailas Rathi at Suyog Hospital in Panchvati, Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik has responded to the demands of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) by announcing heightened safety measures for doctors. A directive will be issued to all police stations, mandating regular patrols to visit hospitals across the city. The priority will be given to hospitals with 30 beds or more initially, followed by smaller hospitals. Karnik has assured the medical community that a dedicated team, consisting of local police officers and doctors, will be formed to ensure the safety of doctors.
The attack on Dr. Rathi, which took place during his night shift, has sparked significant concerns within the medical fraternity. A meeting of various medical professional associations was convened at the IMA auditorium, bringing together representatives from IMA Nashik, IMA Nashik Road, Panchvati, Physician, Dental, Homeopathy, and approximately 200 doctors. Following the meeting, a delegation from these medical organizations met with Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik and submitted a statement expressing their concerns and demands.
Currently in critical condition, Dr. Rathi is fighting for survival in the intensive care unit. IMA Nashik President, Dr. Vishal Gunjal, and President of Nashik Road branch, Swapnanjali Awad, emphasized the urgent need for concrete police action against attacks on doctors within hospital premises. They called for clear instructions to be issued to all police stations regarding the safety of doctors.
As part of the protective measures, police patrols will regularly visit various hospitals within the jurisdiction of each police station. Larger hospitals with over 30 beds will be the initial focus, with smaller hospitals included later. A joint group comprising officers from local police stations and doctors in the area will be formed to maintain communication and ensure a coordinated approach.
The IMA will provide a comprehensive list of hospitals and representative contact numbers to the police. Hospital visits by the police are set to commence from February 28 under this initiative.
