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Bengaluru: WhatsApp message on Kidwai Memorial Institute sparks panic

It stated that several doctors have gone on leave alleging harassment.

Bengaluru: A WhatsApp message on Tuesday regarding the government run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology spread panic among the patients.

It all started after two associate professors working at Unit 2 of the Surgical Oncology Department applied for leave, three days ago.

However on Tuesday a WhatApp message in this regard went viral. It stated, “The Unit 2 of the Surgical Oncology Department of Kidwai has been shut down as several doctors who complained of harassment by the director have been sent on leave”. The message also stated that due to this crisis some 300 patients were struggling to get timely treatment.

The message alleged that the Director was using his closeness with the Chief Minister and Health Secretary to harass the staff.

However, when Deccan Chronicle visited the said unit, it was functioning and patients were seated and an oncologist was taking cases.

Clarifying on the issue, Dr S. Krishnamurthy, HOD Surgical Oncology and in-charge Medical Superintendent and also Incharge Director (only for Tuesday) said, “Two associate professors at the unit had given their leave letters three days ago and gone on leave. On Tuesday the HOD of Unit 2, Dr Virendar Kumar, also applied for leave and none of their leaves have been accepted. But they just put the letter and went off. Nobody has been asked to go on leave and the leaves have not been approved by me.”

The unit witnesses some 30 new cases and 100 follow-up cases. “Yes there was an initial hiccup considering the sudden leaves, but I have appointed another Surgical Oncologist to head that unit for the time being,” he said. Dr Krshnamurthy did concede that the Institute was witnessing such a situation for the first time and “it was definitely uncalled for”.

When Deccan Chronicle contacted the Director, who is currently in Delhi, he said, “This is false and extremely frustrating. Intentionally the doctors have applied for leave. No patient was denied treatment. Alternate arrangements from other two units have been made. Head of Surgical Oncology Dr Krishna Murthy is managing OPD, OT smoothly. On Tuesday 125 patients were attended to till 4 pm as usual, like other day, Dr Srinivas and his team. The WhatsApp message is totally false and circulated out of frustration by few doctors to tarnish the image of the Institute.”

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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