SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 31: An emergent meeting of the Executive Committee members from all 24 districts branches of the state is likely to be organised by the Jharkhand Chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) at the IMA Hall in Ranchi on February 5 to discuss the massive Dhanbad fire that killed doctor couple and three others.
In view of the recent incident in Dhanbad, Dr AK Singh, the State President, IMA and Dr Pradeep Kumar Singh, Secretary issued a notice to the executive members on Tuesday, requesting them to attend an important meeting at Ranchi that is likely to be scheduled on February 5.
“The government is planning for a thorough safety audit of clinics and nursing homes after the incident. The IMA also wants the safety of its patients as well as the doctors. However, due to arrogance and harassment by various government agencies, doctors, clinics and nursing home operators are unable to adhere to all safety measures in such situations. So, it’s high time to discuss the situation for the safety of doctors and patients from such type of tragedy,” said IMA President and Secretary.
Dr AK Singh further said the IMA wants the government to set up a screening committee in each district to assess the fire safety of clinics and nursing homes for the benefit of the patients and the doctors. The IMA should also be part of the committee for transparency.
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Moreover, the Clinical Establishment Act (CEA) has emerged as the main hurdle for clinic and nursing homes operator to comply with health centre safety measures. Earlier, the IMA had called a meeting on January 29 at Ranchi to discuss over CE Act and Medical Protection Act. However, IMA officials called off the meeting due to the fire tragedy in Dhanbad RC Hazra Memorial Hospital on January 28.
“A single window system is the basic requirement of the state to solve all problems such as fire safety and bio-medical waste disposal,” said Dr AK Singh and Dr Pradeep Kumar Singh.
On February 5, the Jharkhand Health Services Association (JHSA) will also discuss the Jamtara incident in which Congress MLA Dr Irfan Ansari had directed to drag out civil surgeon Dr SN Jha from office to the dharna spot of contractual employees. JHSA President Dr PP Sah and Secretary Dr Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh said that the government doctors in the district are feared to visit the hospital.
