Indian Medical Association(IMA), the professional body of doctors across the nation, today demanded a fair probe into the way the Vizag police arrested Dr Sudhakar, a suspended civil surgeon from the government hospital, Narsipatnam.
Writing a letter the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, IMA also demanded an impartial probe into the circumstances that led to the suspension of the doctor as well.
Stating that the arrest raised serious safety concerns, the IMA opined that, “there were certainly civilized ways of handling the situation by a civilian government.”
The IMA also said the incident, which occurred in broad daylight hurt the doctors across the nation.
The letter was signed by Dr Rajan Sharma, National President and Dr RV Asokan, Hony, secretary-general. Following is the text of the letter.
Respected Sir,
Sub: Dr. Sudhakar Rao incident
Dr Sudhakar Rao an anaesthetist in Government services was handled inappropriately by police on 16 05 2020. IMA Hq registers its strong protest in this regard. There were certainly civilised ways of handling the situation by a civilian government. That he was under suspension for allegedly raising safety issues in the hospital was all the more reason for sensitive handling of the issue.
IMA doesn’t hold a brief for his uttering unparliamentary words against the Chief Minister. Such public behaviour is unacceptable and a conscientious apology is in order.
In the meantime, the way a member of the medical profession was handled in public is very disturbing. It has hurt the doctors across the nation. IMA AP rose to the occasion in defending the dignity of the doctor and looking after his health. The interim report of the fact-finding committee has been appended for your consideration.
IMA Hq, on behalf of the doctors of the nation, expects a fair investigation into the incident and his earlier suspension. Appropriate punishment may be apportioned for the erring police officials.