Maharashtra: Radiologists threaten strike

"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.