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The Indian Medical Association (IMA) condemned the attack on a doctor in Chennai's Kalaignar Centenary Hospital on Wednesday, and demanded strong measures, including "deterrent legislation, exemplary punishments and proactive safety measures" to ensure the safety of doctors.
"No amount of superficial damage control exercises by Governments is going to make doctors work without fear in this country. Strong deterrent legislation, exemplary punishments and proactive safety measures are required now and here. All Governments have been put on notice with this heinous crime," said IMA in a statement. Further demanding an overhaul of the security arrangements in hospitals, the IMA said that would be the only thing which would restore the confidence of doctors. "The medical profession of the country is deeply disturbed and is skeptical of the remedial measures on this ever-recurring violence. Only a comprehensive overhaul of the security atmosphere in the hospitals could restore the confidence of doctors," IMA said. The statement added, "The nation owes this to its doctors." Earlier today, Dr Balaji was stabbed seven times by allegedly by accused Vigneswaran in the Chennai hospital. The person had been coming to the hospital for his mother's chemo procedure. The injured doctor is being treated at the hospital. According to the IMA, the mother of the accused had died of stage 4 ovarian cancer, and after hearing the news, the accused stabbed the doctor. "Dr Balaji an Onco surgeon was stabbed seven times by the son of a patient who had died with stage IV cancer of the ovaries. Dr Balaji has been stabilised with great effort. He had lost considerable amount of blood since he was on anticoagulants. The medical profession of the country is stunned with disbelief," read IMA's statement. Earlier, Tamil Nadu health minister Ma Subramanian held a meeting with doctors' associations to listen to their grievances and demands. Chennai's Police Commissioner A Arun also visited the Kalaignar Centenary Hospital where the incident took place. "We have come to review the security arrangements. We will instruct and discuss (with officials) to see what measures will be taken to ensure their (doctors') safety. This is the first incident, we will review the incident and let you know further updates," A Arun told reporters. (ANI)
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