IMA Darbhanga raises alarm over extortion attempts, demands doctors' security

Darbhanga: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Darbhanga State branch has raised concerns about the safety and security of medical professionals, particularly in private hospitals, following an alleged incident of extortion and service disruption at a private hospital.

IMA Darbhanga branch has written to the Civil Surgeon of the district seeking a prompt investigation and strict action against those involved, stating that such incidents directly affect the ability of doctors to provide uninterrupted medical care to patients.

In its letter, the association urged the administration to ensure security for the affected doctors and strengthen safety arrangements in hospitals across the district. According to the IMA, such repeated incidents targeting healthcare professionals can create a hostile environment for medical practice and potentially disrupt patient services.

The issue was discussed during a meeting of the IMA Darbhanga branch held on Saturday evening under the chairmanship of Dr. Hari Damodar Singh. The meeting was attended by more than three dozen doctors from the city, who expressed serious concern over a recent incident that allegedly took place at the private hospital run by a doctor couple.

According to the letter submitted, the doctors’ association stated that individuals accompanying the relatives of a patient, who were described as so-called media personnel, allegedly disrupted hospital operations. The letter claims that they attempted to damage hospital property and tried to intimidate the doctor couple through alleged extortion attempts. 

Raising concerns about the impact of such incidents on medical practice, the association noted that such behaviour poses a serious threat to the safety of doctors and can interfere with hospital services, ultimately affecting patient care.

In its representation to the authorities, the IMA Darbhanga branch placed several demands before the district administration. These include conducting a fair and speedy investigation into the incident, identifying those responsible, and taking strict legal action against them.

The association also sought security protection for the doctor couple, and called for stronger administrative measures to ensure the safety of doctors and healthcare staff in the hospitals across the district.

Additionally, the association urged the administration to take strict cognisance of what it described as increasing attacks on doctors and alleged extortion attempts by certain individuals claiming to be journalists.

The letter states that if such incidents are not addressed promptly, it could encourage anti-social elements and make it difficult for doctors to work in a fear-free environment. The association has requested the administration to take immediate action on the issue.