Bihar :Doctors becoming the Center for Extortion threats

Is Bihar a safe place for Medical Practitioners?

The answer would be a BIG No of any if the recent media reports are to be believed

The issue of threat calls and extortion seems to have reached new heights in the state. Every now and then, reports come out, of medical practitioners in various parts of the state, whether stand-alone or as a part of the hospitals, getting ransom calls demanding protection money or what is commonly called “ Rangdari" in the state

Recently, on May 26^th, HT reported that a leading Child Specialist in Patna, Dr Hemant Verma, received a threat call demanding Rs 1 crore. The caller even threatened that they would kill his staff members, if the doctor didn’t pay the money. Dr Verma rushed to the police station seeking security.

Before this On May 23^rd 2016, a similar call was received by Dr Harikishore Singh, from Araria, whereby Rs 2 Lakhs were demanded, reports HT

Similar case was reported by TOI in the month of April, where the owner of a private hospital in Gopalganj was threatened with dire consequences if he failed to pay Rs 20 lakh.

And the list goes on……………………………..................................................................................................................................................

IMA State Branch, reported that around 23 such cases have been reported in the past 7 months. Of these 11 cases are related to ransom calls, 2 cases of gunfire at doctors for ransom, and remaining cases whereby goons have entered to homes/workplace of doctors creating ruckus, ransacking and making threats. One such case also included where by a doctor was threatened to pay Rs 10,000 per month as Rangdari tax for survival.

Not just threat calls, ransacking, there have also been cases of kidnapping. A kidnapping attempt had been made on Dr Ganesh Kumar, Hon Secy of local IMA branch in the month of January, 2016.

"GIVE US GUNS"- Doctors

Scared out of wits for their lives, and safety of their families, more than 160 practitioners in the state have applied for an arms license. Majority of them come from districts which have now become famous for threat calls on doctors. Dr Ranjit Kumar of Bihar State Health Services Association  has identified 115 government facilities that are vulnerable to anti-social elements.

What next –MASS EXODUS?

Private Practitioners are already reported to be leaving Bihar to move to more secure regions. Speaking to Medical Dialogues team Dr Vinay RDA President Patna Medcial college, told Medical Dialogues team, “ We are young doctors are aware of this situation, and yes this is impacting our decision on where to work in the future. Most students, considering this fact are planning to leave Bihar to move to other states after they graduate.”

Sick and tired of the threat calls, IMA State branch is now reported to be soon taking to streets on the issue. The organization is soon planning to launch an agitation against this, informed Dr Sachidanand, Bihar IMA President.