Alipurduar IMA doctors lower fees for cash-strapped people

Alipurduar chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA) has taken up a unique initiative by lowering the fees of doctors so that people do not face any problems for consulting doctors.

People of Alipurduar have welcomed the move taken by the IMA in the time of crisis. The patients had a tough time ever since the Centre announced demonetisation of currency notes. Initially, the people had faced some problems while consulting doctors as it was difficult for them to pay their fees in lower denominations. After considering all aspects, the IMA has decided to lower the fees of the doctors under its fold so that the people do not face any further difficulties. It, however, remains to be seen if the doctors from other districts come forward and lower their fees so that people get treatment in a cheaper rate during this phase of crisis.

Dr Sajal Bhattacharya, Secretary of IMA in Alipurduar said that it is their duty to stand by the side of people in the time of crisis. The decision to get lower amount of fees will continue till the normalcy is restored. Being in a noble profession the doctors cannot deny their social responsibilities, particularly at the time of crisis, Dr Bhattacharya opined. Even the local medicine shops were accepting the old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 so that people do not face any problems. The doctors in private clinics and those attached in private nursing homes have been attending to patients at discounted fees.

People would have faced great difficulties if the chemists had not been accepting Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 notes as there are not enough currency notes of lower denominations in their hands. In some medicine shops across the state people faced difficulties as the chemists refused to accept old currencies.