BELAGAVI
Goan visitors would have struggled to avail of the medical treatment in Belagavi on Tuesday after the hospitals remained shut in protest against the brutal assault of a doctor at the city hospital.
Hospitals in the city remained closed on Tuesday after a day-long bandh declared by the ciy doctors as the mark of protest over the assault of Dr Rohit Joshi by a mob on Monday.
Except for emergency services, OPDs and general health services remained closed throughout the day.
Condemning the assault, IMA Belagavi President Dr Anil Patil said they strongly condemn the assault on Dr Joshi.
“The assault was done with an intention of some personal gain. If action is not initiated against the culprits, doctors will not be able to take risk of saving the lives of the patients,” Dr Patil said.
IMA Karnataka president Dr Venkatacheliah has also condemned the incident, adding that doctors will not relent until action is initiated against the accused.
Dr Joshi, who was assaulted, said he had conducted a lifesaving surgery on a 26-year-old person for acute large bowel obstruction due to advanced cancer.
“The relatives were explained about his condition and he was advised further treatment. However, about 50 people entered into an argument and brutally assaulted me,” Dr Joshi said.
President of Belagavi Chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India Dr Shashikant Kulgod also condemned the incident and urged people to come forward to support the doctors as they are living in fear due to the incidents of rising attacks.
IMA Secretary Dr Devegouda and doctors were present in large numbers. Doctors later went in a rally to the Deputy Commissioner’s office and submitted a memorandum against the assault. A complaint was also submitted at the Khade Bazaar police station.
