RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Oct.12: A day after the RIMS governing body approved the appointment of a detective agency to restrain doctors from private practice, founder secretary of the Jharkhand unit of the Indian Medical Association and state co-coordinator of IMA, Dr Ajay Singh, expressed his concern over the decision.
“This is like terming those doctors as thieves who treat poor patients despite all odds at RIMS. It is like saying Garibon Ka Doctor Chor Hai,” Dr Singh, a MCh. in surgery, said.
“This decision has questioned the efficiency of the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) in Jharkhand as it failed to nab a single government doctor involved in corruption in last 21 years and this decision of appointing the detective agency to keep a vigil on doctors of RIMS should be followed by the abolition of ACB,” Dr Singh, who also remained Ranchi University senate member from 2000 to 2004, added.
Asked what is wrong if RIMS is taking the decision to end corrupt practices, Dr Singh questioned: “If so why should there not be deputation of detective agencies to keep vigilance at the state secretariat, transport offices, and at circle offices?”
While expressing his concern, Dr Singh asserted that ‘those taking decisions should know that there is an alternative to bureaucrats but there is no alternative to doctors.’
Asked what is wrong if the step was taken following allegations against RIMS doctors of private practice, Dr Singh said: “There is a lot of difference between being accused and being convicted. On mere allegation, one taking care of the poor should not be treated as a convict.”
IMA Ranchi unit president Dr Shambhu Prasad echoed the same voice. “At the time when RIMS doctors are working despite the availability of limited resources and do not hesitate to treat patients on the floor, such steps (step of the decision of appointment of a detective agency to keep a vigil on RIMS doctors) are being taken. “
However, a section of doctors associated with government hospitals welcomed the decision but expressed their reservations about appointing any private detective agency.
“Private practice by RIMS doctor is really a problem as many times I have seen RIMS doctors entering in a private hospital for operation during their duty hours. They should not do this as they get a non-practicing allowance. Their salary is one and a half time more than that of a government doctor. Handling private practice really needs the help of detective agents. However, the appointment of a private detective agency is not a good idea as there is a fear of favoritism. Some state agency should be deputed for the work,” a doctor requesting anonymity said.
