Dr. Vikram .R. Lotwala

Finally, in the state of Maharashtra the ordinance has been passed by the Governor. The ordinance says offenders will face up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine up to Rs 50,000. Moreover, the offenders will have to pay twice the sum of the property damaged by them. Now, its the turn of other states to follow. Andra Pradesh was the first state to pass the ordinance has already implemented it. Till then August 24 should be remembered or celebrated as Doctor-Patient Protection day.

The Bombay Ophthalmologists’ Association has planned to observe 24th of every month as ‘No Practice Day’ till the time the government passes the much-awaited bill assuring stringent action against those who attack members of the medical fraternity. Thsi is in response of Assault one of the leading Eye surgeon. The incident that has the ophthalmology fraternity rattled was an assault on renowned eye specialist Prakash Kankaria in Ahmednagar on December 24 last year. The former head of the Maharashtra Ophthalmology Association was assaulted and his clinic vandalised by a mob of 12 persons. I think we all doctors should take leaf from our Mumbai Colleague's book and should take the same action and gather support. This way we will make the authorities take some action. I also suggest to observe Aug 24 as Doctor - Patient Protection day .