The Bihar unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has today warned its members all over the state to be extremely careful while treating or dealing with patients who suffer from bullet, knife or other injuries as a result of some of the Maoist violence taking place in the neighboring country Nepal.
Dr Ajay Kumar Sinha of Muzaffarpur district was arrested in May for treating eight Nepalese Maoists. This caused anger and panic among doctors in North Bihar Some doctors worried about the consequences discharged all Nepalese patients undergoing treatment in their private clinics. In west Champaran district Dr Kamru Zama was arrested earlier this month for treating two Nepalese Maoists who had received bullet injuries. Two more doctors — Dr D K Sinha and Dr R Singh — have been accused in the same case and are facing charges.Over the last few years Nepal has had problems with Mao followers who are fighting the monarchy and the Government for more rights and there has been constant violence between the state police and them. As per the ethics code of doctors they cannot refuse treatment to anyone and this has resulted in some of these Nepalese Maoist being treated by them. At present there are four doctors facing serious charges and two are in jail for treating the Maoists.
The vice-president of IMA of Bihar unit said: “We have directed all district units of the association to advise their members to inform the police immediately whenever they come across suspicious cases," He further clarified "How can a doctor know which group the patient coming to him belongs to?" He advised his colleagues that in case of bullet, knife or other injuries caused by some violence the doctor concerned should start the treatment and then inform the police about it.
