Delhi Medical Association Responds to Chief Minister Kejriwal's Actions During Pandemic

The Delhi Medical Association (DMA) has recently issued a strong statement of protest against the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, following a series of actions and warnings regarding the handling of coronavirus patients in the city's hospitals.

Background: Warnings and FIRs

On Saturday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal issued a strict warning to private hospitals concerning a alleged denial of admission to COVID-19 patients. The DMA condemned these actions and expressed their deep sense of insult, asserting that doctors who are risking their lives to serve the people of Delhi during this crisis are feeling disrespected.

In an attempt to regulate private hospitals, Kejriwal filed a first information report (FIR) against the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, a leading private facility, for allegedly violating directives from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) regarding coronavirus testing under the Epidemic Diseases Act. The FIR was filed under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) by the Deputy Health Secretary, Amit Kumar Pasami, on the recommendation of the Health Department.

Tensions Escalate: Government Orders and Medical Demands

The Delhi government subsequently issued orders directing all hospitals, whether run by the city government, national bodies, local authorities, the army, or private facilities, to admit any suspected COVID-19 patient with moderate to severe symptoms, even without a test report. This move aimed to mitigate the pressure facing healthcare institutions.

However, the DMA has demanded a coordination committee for medical professionals and the Delhi government, adequate testing facilities, smoother patient transfers, and cremations, as well as nodal officers for overall coordination of COVID-19 care.

The Context: Pandemic Pressures and Public Response

Delhites are witnessing a sharp increase in daily cases of COVID-19. Despite their best efforts, healthcare institutions are facing criticism from both the public and the government. An FIR was lodged against Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, which has since become a trending topic on Twitter.

It's important to recognize that all medical professionals and healthcare institutions are under immense pressure during this pandemic. As citizens, our duty is to follow government guidelines and understand the challenges faced by these frontline workers. Let's unite in our effort to overcome this crisis.

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