90% of docs who died in pvt sector, help them: IMA to govt

Madurai: The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Madurai branch has appealed to the state government to grant ex gratia of Rs 50 lakh each to all deceased doctors and healthcare providers affected by Covid-19 in private sector, and offer a government job to one of the family members.

In a statement, president of IMA, Madurai Dr Alagavenkatesan and secretary Dr Amanullah appealed to the government to aid private healthcare providers affected by Covid-19 on a par with public sector.

In July, Dr Abdul Majith, 60, and Dr DR Deyanesh, 50, both general practitioners, died due to Covid-19 on July 6 and 12 respectively. Both doctors were treating only non-Covid-19 patients. “Around 90% of Covid-19 deaths in doctors from Tamil Nadu is from the private sector. This is because they run small practices with limited staff and get exposed easily to any asymptomatic patient with other illness,” said Alagavenkatesan.

“We are following directions to keep open all private healthcare establishments, clinics, nursing homes, hospitals etc. At the same time, loss of life due to contracting Covid-19 while treating the patients is real and we hence appeal for an ex gratia of Rs 50 lakh to the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for treatment expenses,” said the release.

The IMA also proposed to include private doctors in the insurance scheme (Rs 50 lakh) announced by the government and bring in regulations.

“We want the government to take up the issue of screening select pre-operative patients with the ICMR and simplify the standard operating procedures for RT PCR testing in private health establishments. This would enable safe treatment and better service for patients,” said Dr Alagavenkatesan.