Health Minister of Karnataka Condemns the Attack of Two Senior Doctors at a Private Hospital

Nearly 300 private doctors in Puttur taluk decided to launch a 24-hour strike to condemn the attack on two senior doctors in a private hospital in Puttur. But U T Khader, minister for health and family welfare said he condemns any assault on doctors and will take up the issue strongly with the home minister. "Doctors do try their best to save lives and treat patients, and fail sometimes. This however is no excuse for people to lose control over their emotions and assault doctors, which is condemnable," he said.

Dr G K Bhat Sankabithilu, president, Indian Medical Association, Mangaluru branch said, the IMA is supporting the doctors in Puttur merely to express their distress at people assaulting the doctors at the slightest of pretext. "Dr Ravi Prakash, a general surgeon and Dr Ravindra, anaesthetist, who suffered the brunt of the attack on them in the hospital and also saw people damage hospital property, need our support and we will stand by them in their hour of need," he said.

When told about the minister's appeal, Dr Bhat said the doctors in Puttur have assured to attend to emergency cases. "We will also meet local MLA Shakuntala T Shetty again who aggrieved doctors' fraternity had expressed their grievance. She had assured to ensure that guilty are brought to book," he said, adding IMA will take a call on Khader's appeal. The minister also said he would direct the SP, and DC to take necessary action in this case.

Source-Medindia