Araria (Bihar): Private doctors across Araria district went on strike on Friday following an alleged slapping incident involving an Additional District Magistrate (ADM) during a raid at a private hospital in Forbesganj.
The incident occurred on February 12 at Bachpan Neo & Child Hospital on Forbesganj Referral Road. The raid was conducted on the directions of District Magistrate Vinod Duhan, who had formed two teams to inspect nursing homes, ultrasound centres and pathology labs over compliance issues. One team was led by ADM-cum-Deputy Election Officer Dr. Rambabu.
According to reports, an argument broke out between the hospital management and the raiding team during inspection. CCTV footage from the hospital reportedly shows ADM Dr. Rambabu slapping Dr. Deepak Kumar, the hospital’s director. A scuffle followed between both sides.
Dr. Deepak Kumar, a resident of Kursakanta and currently posted as Chief Medical Officer at Nirmali Sub-Divisional Hospital in Supaul, alleged that the raiding team misbehaved and initiated physical assault. He claimed the entire incident was captured on CCTV. However, he admitted that he and his staff also resorted to physical resistance in self-defence.
Following the altercation, supporters of the doctor allegedly confined members of the raiding team inside a room for nearly 30 minutes. On receiving information, Farbisganj SDM Abhay Kumar Tiwari, Sub-Divisional Election Officer Avinash Krishna and Police Station Head Raghavendra Kumar Singh reached the spot with police personnel. The officials were later escorted out safely.
Members of the raiding team included ADM Dr. Rambabu, Narpatganj PHC in-charge Dr. Deepak Kumar Singh, Farbisganj PHC in-charge Dr. Rajiv Basak, Circle Officer Pankaj Kumar, Sub-Inspector Sanjeev Kumar and police personnel.
Civil Surgeon Dr. K.K. Kashyap also reached the hospital and assured an inquiry. He stated that the inspection drive was aimed at verifying hospital registrations, fire and biomedical waste licences, doctors’ qualifications and other mandatory documents to ensure compliance with norms.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Bhasa. A state-level meeting was held with district units of Araria, Purnia and Supaul. Dr. Athar, Secretary of the IMA’s Forbesganj branch, said the issue has been taken seriously and further decisions may be taken at the state level.
Meanwhile, private doctors in Araria district have suspended services in protest, escalating the standoff between the medical fraternity and the district administration.
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