Restrictions on oxygen supply system: Andhra medical fraternity demands withdrawal of Govt order

Kakinada:  A delegation of Indian Medical Association (IMA) AP Nursing Homes Association (APNA) and Arogyasri Empanelled Hospitals Association led by Dr Moka Pavan kumar, Dr C. Kiran kumar, Dr SCh S Ramakrishna president, secretary and treasurer respectively of the IMA has submitted a representation to the district collector here on Thursday expressing their serious concern and resentment over the GO 57 stipulating severe restrictions and imposing conditions on Oxygen supply system.

They demanded the withdrawal of the GO as it is against principles of natural justice and laying of heavy financial burden on hospitals especially the small and medium hospitals which take care of 80 percent of the patients.

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They said the imposing of conditions stipulating that the hospitals either should have captive oxygen plants or keep oxygen cylinders in bulk from minimum of 40 to maximum of 100 cylinders was highly objectionable and irrational.

If the hospitals failed to comply with the order, the government said it would cancel the hospital registration which is nothing but draconian and unilateral and throwing an open threat.

The medical fraternity had acted with much responsibility and all the hospitals had functioned round the clock during the covid first wave rendering yeomen service unmindful of the threat to their lives.

Over 75 doctors in the state had laid down their lives affected by the covid while serving the patients.

The recent stance of the district disciplinary committees formed to protect the interests of the patients headed by the Joint Collectors was most disappointing, arbitrary and targeting the doctors and the hospitals denying them a patient hearing.

The committee's stance that the patient's version is gospel truth and doctors are guilty is not correct. The imposition of penalties unilaterally will lead to blackmailing of doctors and creates mistrust between doctors and patients.

What is more alarming is the kind of language used by the committee against doctors and hospitals during enquiry is highly objectionable, derogatory and quite unwarranted.

In these circumstances it will be difficult to function and cooperate with the government in combating the challenge of pandemic third wave 'they added.

The delegation also called on the city MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhara Reddy and submitted the representation to him seeking his intervention in taking up the matter with the Chief Minister for redressal.

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