The Indian Medical Association (IMA) termed it as “too harsh a step”, saying action should be initiated against “those who are at fault” after inquiry. IMA President K K Aggarwal, a cardiologist, said the government decision was “not in the interest of society”.
“I personally feel it was wrong. The government has taken a wrong decision... For a mistake that occurred at the level of a doctor, the licence of the hospital cannot be cancelled,” he said. In a statement released hours after the announcement by the Delhi government, the IMA said it was “too harsh a step”, and that action should be taken against those people who are at fault.
“We are not backing the mistake committed by Max Super Speciality Hospital. However, the cancellation of licence is too harsh a step. Action should be initiated against those who are at fault after proper inquiry by the Delhi Medical Council.
“Mistakes occur even at premier government hospitals such as AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital,” the IMA chief said.
“If the government starts cancelling the licences of hospitals in such a manner than all the health care facilities will have to be shut down,” he said. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “open loot or criminal negligence” by any hospital will not be tolerated. “Whereas we don’t wish to interfere in day-to-day functioning of private hospitals, open loot or criminal negligence by any hospital won’t be tolerated. We won’t hesitate to take strongest action in such cases (sic),” he tweeted. Earlier, addressing a press conference here, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said the government will not tolerate “criminal negligence”, while terming the upscale private as a “habitual offender”. Comments from Max Health care authorities are still awaited.