The Union Health Minister -- Anbumani Ramadoss -- is once again shrouded in controversy after he unwittingly targetted the people of Bihar by saying that a doctor from Bihar was the sole cause for Britain de-recognising MBBS degrees.
His comment led to widespread protests in Bihar with even doctors joining in the protests and burning effigies of the Union Health Minister. On the flipside, the doctors under the banner of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) are demanding an unconditional apology from the Minister for hurting the sentiments of all people from Bihar living in India and abroad. The organisation has also approached the Indian Medical Coucil and the central IMA asking them to take action against Ramadoss.
On Friday last week, speaking at a meeting of the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin in New Delhi, the Union Health Minister had reportedly said that "a doctor from Bihar was the sole cause for Britain derecognising MBBS degrees".
TIMES NOW, meanwhile, spoke to IMA President, Dr Ajay Kumar, who said he has been in touch with Indian doctors in the UK. Kumar said that Biharis in his field were working well in the UK, substantially contributing to health services and management. He called Ramadoss' statements a reflection of his "narrow mindednes" and bias against Biharis.
In the past for one reason or another the Union Health Minister has managed to stoke the fires of controversy with some unqualified statements, angering people across various forums. However, an explanation from the man himself is awaited to shed light on this particular controversy.
Earlier this month, the Health Minister, embroiled in a controversy over the removal of AIIMS Director P Venugopal charged the Delhi media with bias against him as he was from the ranks of most backward classes. Dr Ramadoss has also attacked opponents of his proposal to make one year rural service compulsory for MBBS degree, saying they are "enemies of villagers, those who oppose the scheme."
BJP slams Ramadoss:
The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has slammed Health Minister, Ambumani Ramadoss for his comments on Bihari Doctors. Rajiv Pratap Rudy the Party's Spokesperson said, "We take strong exception to the insane remark. Such remarks do not go well with the UPA government. The remark should be immediately withdrawn."
Another BJP leader, Shatrughan Sinha said that the Health Minister should undergo medical examination as he is making one ridiculous comment after another.
Ramadoss clarifies
Meanwhile, the man himself -- Ambumani Ramadoss -- has now come out and said that he has utmost respect for Bihar's doctors.
"I respect Indian doctors and especially doctors from Bihar or Uttar Pradesh or Tamil Nadu doesn’t make any difference to me. I respect everybody and I have been categorically saying that which ever international forum I go, I have always maintained that Indian doctors are the best in the world. I definitely respect Bihar doctors, who have contributed to a large extent not only to Bihar, but also India and globally,” he added.
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