Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, June 16: Doctors ostensibly refusing to treat patients without the COVID-19 test report has added to the anxiety of the people in Kashmir. They fear that “changed attitude” of doctors could lead to more people dying of ailments other than COVID-19.
According to the media reports doctors in many places across the country are refusing to treat the patients, who have not been tested for the COVID-19. “This trend is dangerous. If doctors stop examining the patients, it will lead to chaos and more deaths,” an analyst told Precious Kashmir.
On Tuesday, a doctor was placed under suspension in Anantnag district after he allegedly refused to treat a patient, who was not wearing a mask at a health facility. The order was passed by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag after a complaint by a person who telephoned him at 10:30 p.m., alleging that the doctor on duty at PHC Saidiwara did not attend his ailing daughter on the pretext that they were not wearing face masks. The doctor allegedly refused to examine the patient despite “emergency.”
“The refusal of the doctor is beyond medical ethics. The doctor instead of refusing the patient should have provided mask or else asked the patient to cover her mouth with a cloth, but refusing the medical examination when it is needed utmost Is criminal on part of the doctor. The doctor has endangered the life of patient, which is unbecoming of the public servant especially a doctor,” reads the order issued by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag.
The DC also directed the Chief Medical Officer, Kulgam to conduct an enquiry into the matter and furnish a detailed report within 5 days positively.
The analyst said, “The fear has crept into the medical fraternity after many medicos have tested positive for the deadly virus. Patients need to be careful and they should realize that their carelessness can put the lives of the medicos at risk. But at the same time doctors should realize that patients have no one else to fall back upon except them.”
It’s in place to mention here that Police Hospital in Srinagar had to be closed down for few days after two doctors tested positive for the COVID-19. “The doctors are the COVID warriors and if they start collapsing it can lead to a catastrophe. They have to protect themselves so that patients could be treated. But on the other hand, they should ensure that the patients who need emergency treatment are examined so that their lives are saved. Making COVID-19 test report and wearing of mask mandatory to treat a patient, who is already in distress, can add to the agonies of the people. These are difficult times and all of us should understand our duties and responsibilities,” the analyst added.
COVID-19: Changed attitude of doctors makes people anxious, medico suspended for refusing to treat patient
