Single doc establishments of Nagpur form Rapid Action Groups

By Vikas Vaidya

After formation of Vidarbha Hospital Association by big hospitals to act in unison, now, single doctor establishments have also come together to form Rapid Action Groups to tackle the serious issue of attack on doctors and their hospitals.
Taking a cue from their Amravati counterparts, medicos operating their own small establishments and nursing homes decided to join hands to protect themselves from physical assault, goondaism and shoo away miscreants who often vandalise property and carry out physical assault.
Emboldended by lack of any resistance from small hospitals and unorganised doctors, many rowdy elements under the guise of helping patients and their
relatives resort to violence or
dish out threats to carry out
violence.
In most cases, doctors feel that medical negligence is seldom the reason behind such attacks. Some patients and their relatives create ruckus to avoid settlement of the bills and to armtwist doctors to give up major amount. Often due to demonstrations and hype created during such incidents, doctors often succumb to pressure tactics.
To effectively deal with such situations, Indian Medical Associations have set up Assault on Doctors groups. Nagpur IMA has also formed such a group. But, looking at the ever growing incidents of attack on doctors the need for effective group was felt.
Dr Warsha Dhawale, former President of IMA, Nagpur and member of State-level  PCPNDT panel, mooted the idea. She said, “I saw this group working in Amravati quite successfully and it strengthens the bond among doctors.” I am very happy that doctors in Nagpur unanimously agreed to implement it here, she said.
The Rapid Action Group consists of doctors alone and no musclemen or bouncers will be involved. The groups will be organised as per particular zones where hospitals are situated.
Hospitals and doctors including specialists like ENT Surgeon, General Surgeon, Physician, Paediatrician, Orthopaedic or any other specialist will be part of this group. If any incident takes place at any hospital in that zone, the doctor at receiving end is expected to immediately post the message seeking help and his colleagues from other hospitals or dispensaries will reach to help him out.
Dr Warsha Dhawale said, “We are trying to get help from police also. The police of that area will also be involved in the group. We will be seeking toll free number for us. If that is done then that doctor will give a call on that number so that police can reach immediately.”
Dr Dhawale pointed out, “Why people are not ready to accept medical accidents as they accept road accidents? Without understanding the mistake they start attacking doctors.” In the first phase, doctors will formalise their zone-wise group, nominate their co-ordinators.
Dr Ajay Kate, President of IMA, Nagpur said, “Though IMA has no direct role to play it will act as Co-ordinator, I personally feel that doctors should actively support this group and help fraternity member in distress.”