From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 1: A memorial will be built in Arogya Soudha to commemorate martyred doctors who laid their lives during the pandemic, health and medical education minister, Dr K Sudhakar said in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion of Doctors Day celebrations at Arogya Soudha, Dr Sudhakar said that only soldiers who died during the war are being referred to as martyrs.

More than 700 doctors have died during their Covid duty. As doctors and health warriors also died during the war against Covid-19, they are also been referred to as martyrs, he said adding: The state government has decided to build a memorial in Arogya Soudha to commemorate their sacrifice.

A model will be designed soon and will be inaugurated by the chief minister. Families of the martyred families can come and pay respect to the memorial on a fixed day, Dr Sudhakar said.

"People are paying homage to the war memorial in Delhi. Similarly, this memorial will also serve people to pay their homage. On behalf of the government, I express my gratitude towards all medical community who are serving relentlessly during this tuff time,’’ he said.

The issue of stipend has been there for several years. The government has increased the stipend by 30-40%.

In a historical move, the state government has recruited 1,763 medical officers. Also, 2,050 doctors are appointed on a one-year compulsory rural service basis. More than 1,000 doctors have been appointed to medical colleges. Overall 4,000 doctors have been recruited, he said.

Warns Attackers

"Relatives of patients attacking doctors and medical staff is highly condemnable. Doctors try to save the lives of patients till the last breath. No one lets them die. People should not take the law into their hands. Strict legal action will be initiated against the defaulters. It is a punishable offence up to 5-7 years of imprisonment,’’ warned Dr Sudhakar.

Speaking at the IMA function, Dr Sudhakar said all doctors should register themselves in IMA. The state government is considering paying more stipends to those working in rural areas, he said.

The minister said the contribution of visionary Dr B C Roy to the medical field is immense. The health sector has better infrastructure today inspired by his ideals, he said.

He urged doctors should come forward to serve in rural areas and said the government will be upgrading 250 primary health centres this year.