Kalyan: Around 1460 doctors of several medical associations in Kalyan observed a one day strike protesting against the behavior of a Shiv Sena Corporator who allegedly misbehaved with a doctor and defamed him on social media as well.
The associations including the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kalyan, Homeopathic Doctor foundation (KHDF), Kalyan east medical practitioners association, and National Integrated medical association joined hands and observed the strike demanding a written apology from the accused corporator for his misbehavior.
Following the vehement protest, the accused has finally apologized to the doctor formally after which the associations agreed to call off the strike.
Also Read: TIMS: Senior Resident doctors demand quarantine leaves, Director says no such provision
The issue erupted after one of the doctors of Vaishnavi Maternity Hospital was verbally abused and threatened by the accused after he had received a complaint from the kin of a patient, claiming that they have been denied permission to wait on the hospital premises by the doctor.
The incident took place on Sunday when the accused along with his accomplices allegedly abused the doctor and blamed him for behaving unethically with the kin of the patient. The doctor posted a video of the incident stating, "Posting herewith a video of my consulting today verbal abuse as relatives were asked not to wait in and around hosp campus including the road. Corporators tell me I am under influence of Alcohol? My dead mother being abused. I am threatened with dire consequences. So anyone can come and abuse me?"
Thereafter, various medical associations came forward to support the doctor and demanded a written apology. The doctors had informed that if the accused do not apologize, then the doctor will be on an infinite strike from 28th November.
Prashant Patil, president, IMA, Kalyan told that "The doctor never denied to treat the patient, rather just asked the kin of the patient not to crowd the hospital and politely asked only one of the attendants to stay. The instruction was given following the protocols especially to maintain social distancing amidst pandemic."
He further informed that " Suddenly one of the local corporator intervened in the matter and started abusing the doctor. The whole incident can be seen in the video. The corporate even alleged that the doctor was intoxicated which is not true. Following this behavior, the association decided to stand with the doctor."
Commenting on the incident, Dr. Patil stated that every institution has some rules which must be obeyed by the kin of the patient as well.
The accused finally met the doctor personally and apologized for the whole incident. He stated that he behaved in that way due to some misunderstanding. After the formal apology, the doctors have finally called off their strike.
The doctor has also posted on social media stating " Regarding the incident which happened on Sunday Mr. Mahesh Gaikwad has felt sorry for his behavior and apologized for the same due to prevailing corona pandemic I too decided to not pursue the matter further.I wish to thank IMA KALYAN, FOGSI, MOGS KALYAN DOCTORS ARMY my friends from KEMH and NAIR Hospital my patients my staff, and all others friends from various aspects of society for standing with me in difficult time THANK each one of you again and hoping such incidences do not happen again with any doctor."