New Delhi: Merely two days ago, the people across the country came out and clapped to express their gratitude to the medical fraternity that is toiling very hard to serve the people amidst Coronavirus outbreak.
Now, in the very same country reports of several doctors and nurses of AIIMS having been forcibly evicted from their rented homes by landlords are emerging.
The move of the landlords is driven by the fear that it would make them more susceptible to novel coronavirus.
AIIMS Resident Doctor’s Association has sent a plea for help to the Prime Minister’s Office and the health ministry.
The letter states that the many doctors and other healthcare professionals have been stranded on roads after being driven out of their rented homes.
The Association has urged the government to issue an order arohibiting landlords and home-owners from evicting medical professionals working tirelessly amid the outbreak.
Action on anvil against landlords evicting healthcare personnel
The Delhi Health and Family Welfare Department has directed authorities concerned and police to take strict action against landlords forcing doctors, paramedical staff, other healthcare personnel to vacate rented accomodations for serving during the coronavirus outbreak.
Department Secretary Padmini Singla said in her order that a lot of complaints have been received from affected healthcare personnel from all over Delhi in this regard.
Such behaviour, the order said, amounts to obstructing public servants in discharging their duties.
“All District Magistrates, Zonal Deputy Commissioners of Municipal Corporation, and District Deputy Commissioners of Police are directed to take strict penal action under relevant provisions of law against the landlords, houseowners (forcing doctors, health care personnel and paramedical staff to vacate rented residences),” the order said.
It also said that an Action Taken Report on a daily basis should be submitted to the office of Additional Chief Secretary (Home).
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he felt sad to know that those involved in the coronavirus fights were discriminated against.
“I feel sad to know that pilots, doctors, nurses are pushed out of the house because they are dealing with coronavirus patients. We need to change the mentality. If they are having the infection, they will be treated. But when they are healthy, there should not be any mistreatment or discrimination.”
India has been under lockdown for 21 days, stating Tuesday midnight.
