Recently the Maharashtra government had alleged that private doctors had stopped their practice and service after the coronavirus outbreak. In a reply to the state government’s claim, The Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) Maharashtra chapter on Saturday stated that the state government’s claim was not based on facts.
They also informed that collectors and divisional commissioners have issued notices to IMA-affiliated doctors in all 36 districts, threatening to cancel their medical council registration under the Epidemic Act 1897.
In the statement they clarified that doctors have worked round the clock and supported the government’s decisions. The lockdown announced on March 25 impacted the functioning of only 1 or 2 per cent clinics and hospitals. They also pointed out that the on-going lockdown has created problems for the medical and paramedical staff as they were finding it difficult to reach their work places.
In this difficult situation, the IMA demanded that identity cards for all medical and paramedical staff be uploaded online so that they can be downloaded easily. IMA also urged to the government that they should exempt doctors above the age of 65, from being prosecuted under the Epidemic Act.
