'The Untouchables'???
never.
Posted on 07/31/2006 9:43:04 AM PDT by kiriath_jearim
Doctors turn sharpshooters in self-defence
IANS
Agra: Faced with increasing threats from kidnappers, doctors in Agra will undergo training of a different kind learning the use of firearms for self-defence.
The doctors will spend more time at the shooting range than in their clinics when a programme drawn up by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) is implemented early next month.
After a spate of abductions by criminal gangs, the doctors have been holding emergency sessions for the past week and meeting politicians and district authorities to work out a foolproof security arrangement.
Over 60 doctors have applied for licences for firearms. They will start practising at the firing range near Dayalbagh, developed at the initiative of Municipal Commissioner Shyam Singh Yadav.
The doctors this week met Yadav, who is also the coach of the Indian shooting team, and requested him to allow them to use the shooting range.
While Yadav gave the go-ahead, the IMA has mounted pressure on the district officials to promptly clear arms licences for the threatened medical community, said IMA president Sharad Gupta.
The latest threat was received by Rajiv Upadhyaya who refused to give in and galvanised the medical fraternity to take up the challenge seriously.
Upadhyaya said: "Instead of fearing the gangsters, we should all collectively face the threat and devise methods to foil their attempts."
While Pankaj Mahendru, director of Apollo Hospital, said there were no grounds for fear, gynaecologist Alka Sen said: "We know how to defend ourselves."
In the past two years, at least a dozen doctors have either received threats or have been abducted.
Well-known dermatologist G.G. Dheer was abducted from his clinic by gunmen but was released within hours when the police swung into action.
Rahul Sahai and Munishwar Gupta are other doctors who have been victims of Agra's flourishing kidnapping industry.
"The kidnappers have political patronage. That's how they manage to get away," said another senior doctor.
What baffles people here is the fact that only doctors working in Agra district have been targeted while those in neighbouring districts are not.
The reason could be the high profile and earning capacity of these doctors, many of whom charge Rs300-500 per patient. Some private practitioners examine up to 100 patients a day.
Over 60 doctors have applied for licences for firearms. They will start practising at the firing range near Dayalbagh.
Nice. Can someone ping the leaders of the bang list and the second amendment list?
Also, pinging the Indian ping list leader myself.
Whole new meaning to the term, "Getting a shot" from a doctor
'The Untouchables'???
never.
He also knows where to shoot that will provide for the most pain.
I guess they are changing their Hippocratic oath to:
"First, do not miss."
I guess they should create a new title of "Surgeon-at-Arms."
my doc's holliday... who's my little huckleberry now...
teeman
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