Doctors involved in journalists' thrashing case would be punished:CM

Patna, Jun 9 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today averred that junior doctors of Patna Medical College and Hospital(PMCH) involved in manhandling photojournalists would not be allowed to go scot-free even if their sympathising colleagues resorted to strike.

Mr Kumar told newspersons after janta darbar at his residence that the cases against the doctors, allegedly involved in thrashing the photojournalists, had been lodged and warrants were issued to arrest them.

Raids were being carried to arrest them and other lawful action would also be initiated against them, he said.

''In an era of free access to information, no institution or services can be insulated from the media glare,'' he said and added that newspersons were free to visit the PMCH and other hospitals in the state to inquire about the treatment to the patients.

When asked about the health services being affected by the junior doctors of PMCH, Mr Kumar said the action taken by the government had nothing to do with medical fraternity but was intended to book those involved in the unlawful incident.

State Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav, who was present on the occasion, claimed that patients were not facing difficulties in PMCH and other hospitals of the state and also cited the related data of patients getting registered for treatment in OPD and emergency units of the hospitals.

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