Punjab to issue ordinance to protect doctors

Chandigarh, May 22: The Punjab Government today decided to introduce legislation on Andhra Pradesh pattern to provide protection to the doctors and nursing homes in the state.

According to Media Advisor to Chief Minister Harcharan Bains an ordinance to this effect would be issued within a day or two. "The measure comes in the wake of growing incidents of attacks on doctors and nursing homes by unruly kin of patients at several places," Mr Bains said.

In Jalandhar, hundreds of doctors are on dharna and observing strike against the manhandling of doctors and ransacking of a private hospital by a patient's relatives after his death in the hospital on May 19.

Meanwhile, Mr Bains appealed to the medical fraternity to withdraw their stir in the larger public interest and resume their work.

He said that the state government was committed for the welfare of the doctors and para-medical staff and would ensure congenial atmosphere to them to discharge their duties with dedication.

UNI