Unjust Suspension of Doctors: Delhi Medical Association to Gherao CM, Observe Black Day in Protest

New Delhi: Raising their voice against the Government's dismissal and suspension orders against four government doctors for allegedly denying treatment to an injured man, the Delhi Medical Association (DMA) has announced that it would "gherao" the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Minister, the Health Secretary, and the Health Minister next week to protest against the Government's decision.

Further, the association has also decided to sit in Dharna in front of the offices of these Government officials. After its recent meeting, DMA has also decided to challenge the dismissal and suspension orders issued by the Government in the court.

"We have also decided to observe Black Day in all the hospitals in Delhi, and hold candlelight march in the evening," DMA President Dr. Ashwini Dalmiya told Medical Dialogues.

The Government action for these four doctors came after a 47-year-old man died after allegedly being denied admission by four hospitals for various reasons including lack of equipment and beds.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that police had informed that the concerned patient, who was arrested for allegedly molesting a 21-year-old woman in an inebriated state, died of the injuries he suffered after jumping out of a moving police van on January 3.

He was allegedly denied admission by four government hospitals, including three Delhi government-run health facilities, citing unavailability of beds or equipment.

Following his death, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced stringent action against four doctors. The CM approved a proposal by the Health Department in this regard. This proposal was also forwarded to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena for approval.

Opposing this move by the Government, the Delhi Medical Association (DMA) on Tuesday said that the four doctors facing action in the matter have been made "scapegoats" and the "fault was with the system".

Writing to the Chief Minister, DMA President Dr. Ashwini Dalmiya said, "We all agree on the premise that 'No citizen should be denied treatment or access to treatment and least of all lose his life as a consequence to this."

The DMA Chief highlighted the fact that the patient was first taken to Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital, which has no facilities for neurosurgeries, then to GTB Hospital, where the CT scan machine is not in a working condition, then to Lok Nayak Hospital, where no bed was available, and ultimately to RML Hospital, where the patient succumbed.

"Three of the four hospitals are under the Delhi Government. It is the duty of the Government to provide facilities and ensure that the facilities in each hospital are functional," mentioned the DMA President.

He further added in the letter that "It will be appropriate for the Lt Governor/Chief Minister/Health Minister/Secretary Health to decide among themselves to take full and collective responsibility for this death rather than hold the doctors who serve the people of Delhi in appalling conditions in Delhi hospitals with minimal facilities at their disposal to discharge their duties."

The association has demanded that the Government revoke the dismissal and suspension orders of the said doctors immediately and take adequate steps to provide better health facilities in Delhi hospitals for patients and improve the working conditions of all medical and para-medical staff in the State.

DMA president Dr Ashwini Dalmiya called for a probe by the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) into the matter. "We seek a probe by the Delhi Medical Council (DMC)," he had mentioned. If the DMC probe finds these doctors responsible, "we will accept it", he said. The association had also announced that it would contest the decision in the court.

Earlier, Dr. Dalmiya had said that DMA would hold a general body meeting on Wednesday to decide if legal recourse should be taken into the matter. It was decided that the meeting would be attended by the members of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) and other resident doctors' associations.

On Wednesday, DMA announced its decision to protest against the Government's decision by the "gherao" of the LG, the Chief Minister, and the Health Minister. Further, the association has decided to observe black day and candlelight march to protest.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the president of DMA Dr. Ashwini Dalmiya wrote, "Delhi Medical Association will continue to oppose the unjustified dismissal & suspension of doctors. Dharna & Gherao of Officials as well as Black Day Observation with candle light march in all hospitals."

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, the President of DMA, Dr. Dalmiya informed that the decision regarding the exact dates for conducting these protest activities will be taken on Saturday. He further mentioned that the association has written a letter to the Health Secretary and has sought the detailed inquiry report in this connection.

Also Read: Doctor suspension for denial of bed to patient: Doctors' body asks Delhi Medical Council for inquiry