Threat To Life: Tea Gardens To Witness Exodus of Doctors

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Exodus of doctors is looming large over tea gardens in the State with five doctors already deciding to quit gardens on the ground of insecurity following the recent brutal killing of Dr Deben Dutta on duty at Teok tea estate in Jorhat district.

“While five doctors have sent their resignation letters to their respective tea garden managements in Upper Assam, many young doctors appointed by the State Government for tea estates are planning to quit as they feel insecure. Lynching of Dr Deben Dutta has created a fear psychosis among the doctors working in the tea gardens and other interior areas in the State,” an office bearer of the Assam State Branch of Indian Medical Association (IMA) said

The office bearer added that if the State Government fails to ensure security to doctors, many tea gardens will witness an exodus.

Sources in the State Health department have also expressed fear about a possible exodus. “Many young doctors have refused to join tea gardens despite the fact that the State Government is offering an attractive pay package. While many among those already working in the gardens are reluctant to continue, some among them have remained absent in their duties,” the source said.

“Dr Dutta’s case is the third major incident of assault on doctors serving in tea gardens across Assam in recent times. The recent case has crossed all tolerable limits. It is high time for the authorities to rise to the occasion and ensure security of doctors at their work places,” the IMA said.

The IMA has demanded effective implementation of the Assam Medicare Service Persons and Institutions Prevention of Violence and Damage to Properties Act, 2011. The Act makes assaults and attacks on any medical practitioner a non-bailable and cognizable offence.

Meanwhile, the Indian Tea Association (ITA) and the Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA) in a press statement said in view of recent incidents of assaults on doctors it has become practically infeasible for estate managements to run the garden hospitals. “It is high time for the State Government seriously considers the take-over of the hospitals and run them under the aegis of the Central and State Government health schemes,” the press communiqué said.

The AASU has demanded security to doctors and trial of those responsible for lynching of Dr Deben Dutta must be conducts in a fast track court for exemplary punishment.

Also Read: Medicos Stage Protest Against Killing of Teok Tea Estate Doctor

Also Watch: AMCH observed a 24-hour "withdrawal of non-emergency medical services”