Maharashtra: Radiologists threaten strike

Pune: Pune radiologists are gathering together to declare a strike from 9th June 2016, after allegations of the harassment of fellow colleague came into view. The case is that of One Dr Jape, a radiologist in Pune whose license was suspended and his machines were sealed by the PC-PNDT authorities who claimed that they had proof of malpractices against the doctor. However, the doctors claim that no proof was furnished by the authorities, who had taken this action on their own whims.

" The authorities kept on telling us that there is proof against the doctor, but when we asked what is the proof, nothing was shown to us," highlighted Dr Jignesh Thakkar, Former President IRIA.

"The said Appropriate Authority has acted with a prejudiced mind and in gross violation of the code of conduct prescribed under PCPNDT act, with complete disregard for the law." he added. While the suspension of the doctor's license was soon revoked, his machines still remain sealed.

"Due to this Dr. Ashutosh Jape has suffered grave mental agony and incurred irreparable financial losses, in addition to complete tarnishing of his reputation in the society. All the Radiologists in Pune are living under fear of being unfairly prosecuted by the Appropriate Authority since past few years, and many Radiologists have stopped practicing pregnancy-related ultrasounds, while some have even migrated abroad due to this morbid fear." Dr Thakkar informed

Coming out in support of their colleague,  Maharashtra State Brach of Indian Radiology and Imaging Association (MSBIRIA) has written to the Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation threatening strike in the city, unless following demands are met:-

1)Immediate quashing of all the accusations against Dr. Ashutosh Jape and release of all his sealed ultrasound machines.

2)Removal of Dr. Vaishali Jadhav from the post of Appropriate Authority of Pune Municipal Corporation.

3)Directions to the appointed Appropriate Authority to conduct meeting of Advisory Committee before sealing of any ultrasound machine  or suspending license of any center, which is in accordance with the provisions of PC-PNDT act.

It is reported that representatives from IRIA also met with the union health minister in this regard, to apprise him of the situation. The minister is reported to have promised intervention in this regard. However, the doctors are demanding the pune authorities take immediate action, failing which all radiologists in Pune will go on strike from 9th May, 2016 and may be joined by IRIA members Maharashtra wide, at a later date, sources from IRIA informed.